Successful prosecution sends clear message to those who dispose of waste illegally

30 October 2025

A man who illegally dumped garden waste on a road in Northampton has been ordered to pay more than £1,300 in fines and costs.

Mr Joseph Paul Smith of Randall Road, Kingsley, Northampton appeared at Northampton Magistrates Court on 21 October 2025, where he pled guilty to the unlawful deposit of controlled waste on Banbury Lane, Northampton, on 9 September 2024, in breach of Section 33(1)(a) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Following an interview with West Northamptonshire Council officers, Smith admitted to the offence and was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). However, he failed to pay the fine, prompting the Council to pursue prosecution.

The offender failed to attend his initial court hearing on 26 August 2025, resulting in a warrant for his arrest. He was subsequently arrested and appeared in court on 11 September, with the case adjourned to 21 October, where he entered a guilty plea.

West Northamptonshire Council was represented by Scott Howkins at the hearing, with the Magistrates imposing a £200 fine, an £80 victim surcharge, and £1,100 in costs, totalling £1,380.

“Fly-tipping is a serious environmental crime that blights our communities and costs taxpayers thousands of pounds each year. We will not hesitate to take enforcement action against those who choose to dump waste illegally. This prosecution sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated and that we’re fully committed to cracking down on those who commit offences.”Cllr Andrew Last, WNC’s Cabinet Member HR, Corporate and Regulatory Services

Residents are reminded that they can report fly-tipping, littering and other environmental crime on the West Northamptonshire Council app or via our Report page.