A FLYTIPPER who twice dumped rubbish just yards away from a tip, has been sentenced to a 12 week curfew.

Frank Antoni, 56, of Eldon Street, Bolton, admitted committing the offence when he appeared at Bolton Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard how Bolton Council enforcement officers on a routine patrol discovered a portable television, together with four bags of household and vehicle waste, dumped in a layby just a short distance from Hurstwood Court Recycling Centre in Raikes Lane on February 24.

Antoni initially denied responsibility until he was confronted with overwhelming evidence that the waste had come from his home.

Council officers again visited Antoni the following month after they found eight black bags of garden waste, plastic wrapping, a quilt and two cardboard boxes in the same spot at Raikes Lane.

Investigations them to an address in Halliwell Road where a woman admitted paying Antoni £20 to get rid of the items on her behalf.

After initially denying the charge, Antoni pleaded guilty to flytipping and not having a waste carriers licence. He claimed he could not use the tip because he had been banned for stealing.

Magistrates ordered Antoni to wear an electronic tag and his curfew is from 7pm to 7am. He was also ordered to pay £1,000 in court costs.

Cllr Nick Peel, Bolton Council’s executive cabinet member for environmental services said: “This kind of offence is never acceptable, but this is a particularly shocking example of an offender dumping rubbish in the same spot twice within a matter of weeks.

“Flytipping is a selfish and irresponsible offence which damages the environment and blights our streets and public spaces.

“I’d like to remind everyone that if you are paying someone to take rubbish away for you, it is vital that you make sure they are a licensed carrier and ensure they provide you with a waste transfer note.”