A man has been penalized for illegal dumping after being recorded by a police body camera, following a report from a concerned citizen.
Chunlin Zheng, residing on Philip Lane in London, admitted guilt at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Friday for unlawfully disposing of wood in a layby along the A361 near Trowbridge, Wiltshire.
He was fined a total of £1,114, which includes the fine itself, legal costs, and a surcharge for the victim, and he was instructed to complete 200 hours of unpaid community service.
Councillor Martin Smith, the cabinet member responsible for highways, streetscene, and flooding at Wiltshire Council, commented: “Fly-tipping is a significant environmental offense that negatively affects our communities, and we are committed to addressing it rigorously.”
On January 22, a bystander observed Zheng unloading waste from a van, reported it to the police, and remained at the location until officers arrived, as stated by Wiltshire Council.
When questioned by police, Zheng claimed he received £150 for disposing of the wood but avoided taking it to the household recycling center due to using a commercial vehicle, which would incur fees.
However, during an investigation by the council’s team, Zheng revealed that he was actually paid £350 and was operating as a removal worker, despite not holding a waste carrier’s license.
Mr. Smith further remarked: “Opting to fly-tip as a cost-saving measure has led to a more substantial fine and a criminal record.
“I trust he has grasped the severity of his actions.”
Initially, Zheng was issued a fixed penalty notice of £1,000 in March, which he failed to pay. Parts of his community service may include picking up litter across Wiltshire.
