Man Convicted of Dumping Rubbish

A man has been convicted of dumping rubbish sacks in a Hertford street after council officials traced him by examining the contents.

Steven Croucher of Townshend Street was found guilty at Hertford Magistrates Court and fined £50. He was also ordered to pay £500 towards prosecution costs.

In February last year and again in April council staff found two black bags left by a litter bin in Railway Street. They checked the contents and traced them back to Mr. Croucher.

Despite receiving three letters from the council, including one sent recorded delivery and signed for, Croucher failed to turn up for an interview, so a warrant was issued, ordering him to attend court.

At the court hearing Croucher pleaded not guilty, saying he couldn't explain how his rubbish had been found in Railway Street, unless dustmen had dropped it there. However, magistrates were not convinced by his explanation and found him guilty.