Hidden cameras lead to successful fly-tip prosecution by Winchester City Council
A Hampshire man has been convicted of a fly-tipping offence in the Winchester district after the incident was captured by hidden cameras on a Micheldever country lane.
Patrick Crumlish, 53, from Micheldever, pleaded guilty at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on Tuesday 6 August 2024.
The Court heard that late at night on Monday 3 July 2023, a tipper vehicle owned by Mr Crumlish was caught on two council-operated cameras illegally dumping wooden battens, roofing tiles, packaging and horse manure in the remote location.
Following prosecution by Winchester City Council, Mr Crumlish was sentenced to a fine of £600, prosecution costs of £1,497.95, a compensation order for clearance costs of £355.29 and a victim surcharge of £240, meaning a total pay of £2,693.24, and received a criminal record.
Mr Crumlish was convicted of controlling the use of the offending vehicle at the time of the offence after failing to name the person who carried out the fly tipping.
Winchester City Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance Cllr Neil Cutler said:
“Fly-tipping is really damaging to our local communities, wildlife and environment and we are taking robust action against those who commit offences, as shown by this latest prosecution.
“The council operates hidden surveillance cameras at targeted locations throughout the district to catch and deter offenders and in this case the footage we captured was instrumental in securing a conviction.
“We also rely on reports from the public – I’d encourage anyone who witnesses or captures footage of someone dumping waste illegally in our district to report it”
Reports of fly-tipping can be made on the council’s website at www.winchester.gov.uk/report, via the Your Winchester app or by calling 0300 300 0013.
