Mr. Brian Robson Smith (19), of 25 Meden Bank, Stanton Hill, was issued with the fixed penalty notice on May 15th 2007 for littering. He refused to pay it, and was taken to court by Ashfield District Council for the offence of littering under The Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act 2005.

Mr. Smith failed to turn up in court and so was tried in his absence. During the hearing the court heard of the impact on the environment relating to cigarette litter with reference to a recent ENCAMS survey which identified an estimated 122 tonnes of cigarette butts, matches and cigarette related litter is dropped each day in the UK, costing an estimated £342 million a year to clean up.

Mr. Edd de Coverly, Ashfield District Council’s Head of Neighbourhood Services said:

“Whilst it is always regrettable that a case should have to go to court, the Council has taken many steps to ensure the public are educated about the consequences of committing enviro-crimes. We have issued leaflets, put posters on bus shelters, and advertised on local radio. Our Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers have also issued hundreds of free personal ashtrays and spent time talking to people on the streets.

The pubic continue to tell us that want to a cleaner, greener environment, so we remain determined to tackle these issues head on. If people act irresponsibly and then do not pay a fixed penalty notice, we will have no alternative but to pursue prosecution through the courts.”

The Magistrates found Mr Smith guilty in his absence and imposed £375.00 fine, with £150.00 costs and £15.00 victim’s surcharge. A collection order was also attached to this fine.