Man fined as part of North Baddesley fly-tip investigation

Carter Smith, from Waterlooville, was ordered to attend an interview under caution by Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) after a large fly-tip on land at Castle Lane was found on November 11, 2022.

The fly-tip included insulation boards, wooden pallets, plastic sheeting, carpet, metal strips, and other household items.

The fly tip on Castle Lane (Image: Test Valley Borough Council)A covert camera at the location caught his vehicle being used at the scene.

Smith failed to attend the interview on December 19, 2022, with a person claiming to be a friend of his telling officers that he wasn’t in the country at that time.

READ MORE: Covert camera catches fly-tipper in the act at Romsey hotspot

The friend was asked to request Smith contact the council, but no contact was received, and a notice requiring assistance with the investigation was issued on March 6.

There was no response to the notice.

At Southampton Magistrates Court on October 27, Smith was given a fine of £2,640 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £1,056 and costs of £525.

Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, Cllr David Drew, said: “This is a strong result and I hope people take notice of it. Failing to help us when we are investigating these matters will lead to a harsh sentence and one that is so easily avoidable. Ignoring these notices does not mean the incident will just go away, and I hope these substantial fines act as a deterrent for people.”