Isle of Wight Council is thanking an eagle-eyed member of the public for their help in bringing a successful fly-tipping prosecution.

On 17 November 2009, Thomas Coman of 74 Wimborne Road, Winton, Bournemouth, pleaded guilty to an offence under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 during a hearing at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court in Newport.

He was ordered to pay a total of £1500 which included a contribution to the council’s costs.

Isle of Wight Council was contacted by a member of the public who spotted Mr Coman, who currently lives in Bournemouth but at the time of the offence was moving from the Island to Bournemouth, illegally dumping waste down an embankment in woodland in Adgestone near Sandown on 9 March 2009. The member of public took the registration details of the van Mr Coman was seen getting into.

Environmental Health officers from the council inspected the scene and found waste which contained the name and address of Mr Coman.

The area has become a well known place for flytipping and amongst the waste that was also found there were several discarded washing machines, fridges, black bin liners and sheets of wood.

The area is also on a popular route with walkers and since March, there have been no further incidents of flytipping at the site.

Isle of Wight Council Environmental Health Manager Amanda Gregory said

“Mr Coman showed a complete disregard for the environment and although the council has never suggested he was responsible for all the waste found at the site in Adgestone, he nevertheless took advantage of it being there.

“Thanks to a member of the public who saw Mr Coman and reported the incident, he’s facing a bill of £1500 and will no doubt think twice before doing it again.

“This successful prosecution sends out the message that we will take whatever action we can to catch and prosecute those whose actions spoil the Island’s beautiful environment”