Fly-tipper fined for dumping waste at much-loved beauty spot

A fly-tipper who dumped waste at a 'well-loved' beauty spot has been fined in court after a council investigation.

Luke Pollitt, 24, was tracked down after investigators used CCTV covering the area to trace a van which pulled up at the scene.

Council bosses in Manchester said a 'large amount of waste' was discovered in the Kenworthy Woods area of Northenden, Manchester.

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It's described by the council as a 'well-loved and used' secluded natural area. Pollitt, of Jubilee Court, Wilmslow, pleaded guilty to the charges he faced and fined £200.

In a statement, the council said: "In August 2021, council officers within the Neighbourhood Compliance Team discovered a large fly-tip in Willenhall Road, in the Kenworthy Woods area of Northenden.

"It was noted the waste had been dumped in the hedgerow as well as on a nearby cycle path. CCTV footage later examined by officers showed a van pulling up to the area and dumping waste on two separate occasions, August 10, 2021, and August 14, 2021.

"Investigations found that on the suspected dates of the fly-tip, the registered owner of the van had lent it to defendant Luke Pollitt.

"When interviewed by the Council in March 2022, Pollitt admitted to dumping waste in the area on both occasions.

"On February 23, 2023 he made his first appearance at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, entering a guilty plea. The hearing was then adjourned to prepare pre-sentencing reports.

"On Thursday, June 15, 2023, Pollitt appeared again at Manchester Magistrates’ Court and was sentenced to a 12-month community order, with a mandatory 15 days of rehabilitation activity, as well as being fined £200.

"He was also fined £50 for a bail act