Fine for Littlehampton fly-tipper

Silverio Martins was also ordered to pay 250 costs by Worthing magistrates after being found guilty of two offences relating to fly-tipping.

He said in his defence that he was working for JB Rubbish Clearance '“ the business owned by John Barnett, also of Littlehampton, who was sentenced to four months in prison in March after he was found guilty of 10 fly-tipping offences.

Both cases arose from the business being caught dumping waste in Arundel and Findon after charging customers up to 50 a time to remove it.

Arun District Council has reminded businesses that they have a legal obligation to dispose of waste through registered contractors only.

Kevin Basford, head of environmental amenities and community safety at the council, said: "We wish to work with the businesses and householders in this situation, and invite those who are unsure of how best to go about disposing of waste correctly to contact our cleansing team, who are more than happy to advise them.

"The Environment Agency also has a list of registered contractors they are happy to provide businesses with, as only these contractors should ever be used.

"It is no longer a defence to say you did not know the person you paid to take away your waste was not a registered contractor if they dispose of it illegally '“ the business or householder could also be prosecuted in such cases."

Over the next few months officers from the council plan to visit a range of businesses to check that they have appropriate Trade Waste Agreements in place and fine or prosecute those that don't.