Mrs Charlotte Kara pleaded guilty to littering at Mansfield Magistrates Court on Wednesday, August 5.

She was ordered to pay £75 for dropping a cigarette butt on Newark Road on February 10 this year, plus costs of £75 and a victim surcharge of £15.

Mrs Kara said she was sorry and told the court she was a lone parent with limited means.

The magistrates expressed concern that she had not contacted Ashfield District Council until the day before the hearing, to which she replied that she would have contacted the council but was not in a position to do so, although she did not explain her reasons.

A collection order was made against her meaning she can be brought back to court if the fine and costs are not paid.

Edd de Coverly, Ashfield District Council's Head of Neighbourhood Services said the Neighbourhood Enforcement Team was working hard to tackle environmental issues that really matter to local people.

“Cigarette litter is anti social and a major nuisance. The Council is determined to educate and enforce on this issue with the aim of making Ashfield a cleaner, safer, greener place”.

He added that the Neighbourhood Enforcement Team would continue to target hotspots, such as the town centres and that anyone found committing an offence would receive a fixed penalty notice or face prosecution.