A RUBBISH tipper caught dumping construction waste illegally in the southern parishes has been fined nearly £2,000.

Winchester City Council prosecuted Lewis Field, of Paulsgrove, who pleaded guilty at Fareham Magistrates’ Court.

There are several other similar court cases pending.

This prosecution followed a tip-off from a member of the public who spotted the offence taking place at Southwick and, after a joint investigation between the council and Hampshire Police, Field was traced to his home and interviewed.

Southwick, close to Portsmouth, suffers regular fly-tipping and is one of the areas included in the City Council’s Operation ‘Clean Sweep’ which targets offenders and fly-tipping hotspots.

Cllr Jan Warwick, portfolio holder for Neighbourhoods & Environment, said: “I am delighted and hope this demonstrates that the council will not tolerate this activity which not only wrecks the environment, but also costs the authority and council tax payers money removing the waste.

“I would particularly like to thank our staff, Southwick Estate and Hampshire Police’s Country Watch Team for their help in bringing this culprit to justice. Any other individuals contemplating such tipping in the future should be aware that we are closely monitoring our district, supported by partners such as Hampshire County Council’s Countryside Service, and will have no hesitation in pursuing further prosecutions.

“We already have several other cases pending for which we fully expect a similar result.”