A FLY-TIPPER has been found guilty of dumping chip board planks, waste bags, glass and a cardboard box in a back street.

A patrolling enforcement officer spotted the waste leaning against the back wall of Steven Miller’s home in Hereford Road, Heaton, on June 1 last year.

Despite posting a leaflet at the property requesting that the owner get in touch, the officer returned four days later to find the items still there.

Miller admitted to putting the wood out and said he was going to take it to the tip. He refused to provide his personal details and began placing the wood inside his back yard.

An £80 fine was issued but he failed to pay it.

On Wednesday, the 43-year-old was found guilty of littering and magistrates gave him a 12-month conditional discharge. He was also ordered to pay legal costs of £973 plus a £20 victim surcharge. He also pleaded guilty to an offence of not providing details.

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Cllr Nick Peel, said there was ‘no excuse’ for the offence.

He added: : “The fact that this man was then obstructive made the process drawn out and ultimately led to a hearing where he received a sentence and high legal costs. I want this to be a clear message that we will not tolerate rubbish being dumped illegally and we will take action.”