AN ASPIRING boxer broke down in court when he was jailed for a string of fly-tipping offences in villages across the Test Valley and Wiltshire.

Jamie Kerley, 27 of Salisbury, was imprisoned for 90 days after being convicted of eight counts of fly-tipping at Salisbury Magistrates Court on February 7.

The investigation, supported by Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC), found Kerley, who pleaded guilty, advertised a waste collection service called GW Clearance and Jays Metal Collection on social media; items including blinds, paint rollers, cardboard and bottles were dumped between November 25, 2015, and January 26, 2016.

One of the offences took place in Ampfield, near Romsey, where items of household waste were fly-tipped near to an area of forest.

TVBC immediately cleared the waste from the area and provided evidence to support Wiltshire Council to prosecute Kerley.

Defending, Bob Scott told the court that Kerley realised the effect his actions had on the population and the environment.

He added that his client had a number of boxing fights coming up, and wanted to become a professional.

Judge Anthony Callaway said although there were no dangerous chemicals, they were still major incidents of fly tipping.

Kerley, of Parsonage Green, Harnham, was sentenced to three months in prison.

Environmental cabinet member Cllr Graham Stallard said he was "very pleased" of the court's decision.

"The result was thanks to a joint approach, where neighbouring authorities came together to provide evidence associated with the various incidents," he added.

"This approach has proven to be very effective, and Test Valley Borough Council is working closely with Hampshire County Council to implement further joint-working and collaborative approaches to fly-tipping enforcement.

“Kerley advertised his waste collection service, GW Clearance and Jays Metal Collection, on social media, so I’d like to take this opportunity to remind people that if they are using a contractor, to check that they have an appropriate waste carrier’s licence.”

Test Valley residents can report incidents of fly-tipping via the My Test Valley smartphone app, which is available on Windows, Google and Apple phones. For more information, visit www.testvalley.gov.uk/mytestvalley.