Letters found in a pile of fly-tipped waste have landed the brother of a business owner with a court fine and a criminal record.
Personal and business correspondence led investigators to Mirza Hussain’s home address in Middlesbrough.
The 20-year-old had left the incriminating evidence in a pile of 30 black bags of household and business waste dumped on a path near his Cambridge Road home in November last year.
When Middlesbrough Environmental Neighbourhood Safety Wardens were called to the scene, they were quickly able to identify the culprit.
Letters and postage evidence were found linking Mr Hussain to both Cambridge Road and his brother’s Darlington business address.
The site was subsequently cleared by Middlesbrough Council’s Environmental Flying Squad.
Mr Hussain was issued with a £600 Fixed Penalty Notice in February, and when this went unpaid he was charged with fly-tipping and admitted the offence when he appeared before Teesside Magistrates this week.
He was fined £333, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £133 and £709.50 in costs, making a total of £1,175.50.
Councillor Janet Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Community Safety, said: “People really should know that this is not the way to dispose of waste.
“It’s lazy and inconsiderate, blights the local community and lands law-abiding residents with the bill for the clean-up.
“Well done to our officers for quickly identifying the culprit and here’s hoping this will act as a deterrent to others tempted to cut corners like this.
“It’s just not worth it – we will catch you, and you will end up out of pocket and very possibly with a criminal record.”
Anyone with information on fly-tipping can send details to by email or call the Contact Centre on 01642 726001.
Fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour and many other offences can also be reported online by clicking here.
Residents can also book online to dispose of large items at the Household Waste and Recycling Centre at Haverton Hill.
There is no charge for residents but fees apply for businesses.