A FLY-TIPPER was caught dumping up to 30 bin bags and a microwave.

Roman Hovarth was arrested and fined a total of £1,500 after council officers witnessed him leaving the items in a lay-by in Darcy Lever.

The rubbish in Smiths Lane — which patrolling council officers found on December 17 last year — was left in a metal cabin in a lay-by.

Hovarth claimed that he had paid a friend with him to dispose of the waste which had come from his ex-wife's house.

He admitted that he and his friend had intended to dump the waste in a river but changed their minds and left it in Smiths Lane.

The 41-year-old, of Copthorne Drive, Darcy Lever, eventually pleaded guilty at Bolton Magistrates' Court on May 11.

He was fined £400 and told to pay £1,074 in court costs.

Magistrates took into account his lack of means and that he is supporting four children when passing sentence.

Cllr Nick Peel, cabinet member for environmental services, said: "We are getting people who come out with excuses and try to justify their actions.

"There is never any justification for spoiling the environment and again it sends the message that we will find you and take you to court.

"People are increasingly not getting away with this and I am determined to up the ante even further."

Council officers were on the way to another call when they made the discovery but slowed down when they saw Hovarth's van parked sideways in the lay-by.

They saw the van with its back doors open and two men taking items out.

About six black bags were on the floor behind the van, while 10 to 15 were still in the back of the van.

Officers then found more bags, a child's car seat and nappies in the nearby cabin.

Hovarth said they were turned away by Raikes Lane tip because the van was a business vehicle, and his friend then decided to start unloading in Smiths Lane, even though Hovarth knew it was wrong.