Profitable prosecution sends clear message to those that eliminate waste illegally

30 October 2025

A person who illegally dumped backyard waste on a street in Northampton has been ordered to pay greater than £1,300 in fines and prices.

Mr Joseph Paul Smith of Randall Road, Kingsley, Northampton appeared at Northampton Magistrates Court on 21 October 2025, the place he pled responsible to the illegal deposit of managed waste on Banbury Lane, Northampton, on 9 September 2024, in breach of Section 33(1)(a) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Following an interview with West Northamptonshire Council officers, Smith admitted to the offence and was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). However, he did not pay the positive, prompting the Council to pursue prosecution.

The offender did not attend his preliminary courtroom listening to on 26 August 2025, leading to a warrant for his arrest. He was subsequently arrested and appeared in courtroom on 11 September, with the case adjourned to 21 October, the place he entered a responsible plea.

West Northamptonshire Council was represented by Scott Howkins on the listening to, with the Magistrates imposing a £200 positive, an £80 sufferer surcharge, and £1,100 in prices, totalling £1,380.

“Fly-tipping is a serious environmental crime that blights our communities and costs taxpayers thousands of pounds each year. We will not hesitate to take enforcement action against those who choose to dump waste illegally. This prosecution sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated and that we’re fully committed to cracking down on those who commit offences.”Cllr Andrew Last, WNC’s Cabinet Member HR, Corporate and Regulatory Services

Residents are reminded that they’ll report fly-tipping, littering and different environmental crime on the West Northamptonshire Council app or by way of our Report web page.