Smokers fined for littering

The prosecutions were brought by Sunderland City Council and the fines imposed at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court.

Magistrates heard how all the defendants were issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £150 for the offence of littering but failed to pay despite reminder letters. Therefore the matters were referred for legal proceedings.

Victoria Hallis of The High Road, South Shields, was witnessed dropping a cigarette end and walking away in Market Square on 16th July. She failed to attend court and it was proven in her absence.

Karen Mordey of Keighley Avenue, Sunderland was seen dropping a cigarette end on Union Street and walking away on 21st July. She also failed to attend court.

Because they failed to appear at court, all the cases were found proven in absence and the defendants ordered to pay fines of £220 victim surcharge of £34 and costs of £235.00. 

Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor Claire Rowntree said: "Most people manage to dispose of their cigarette ends properly, but the small minority who fail to do this face a £150 Fixed Penalty Notice for littering. If they choose to ignore these warning letters, they can then face court action.

"This shows that we take littering very seriously, and these latest fines show that the magistrates will not put up with not to put up with the people who cannot dispose of their waste and litter properly and legally."

In the last two years, 531 people have received Fixed Penalty Notices for littering in Sunderland.

The cases were heard and found proved at the court on Tuesday 1 February.