Local News · Swindon
Swindon man ordered to pay £2,400 after failing to pay fly-tipping fine
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
A Swindon man has been prosecuted by Wiltshire Council after dumping household waste in the countryside near Royal Wootton Bassett.
A Swindon man has been ordered to pay a total of £2,400 after he was caught fly-tipping household waste in the Wiltshire countryside. Luiz Martinelli, of Temple Street, Swindon, appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Friday, 18 September, where he pleaded guilty to depositing controlled waste on land without an environmental permit.
The prosecution follows an incident in October 2025, when Martinelli dumped several items, including bed bases, mattresses and a bedside cabinet, at the entrance to a field on Marlborough Road near Royal Wootton Bassett. Environmental enforcement officers from Wiltshire Council were able to link the waste directly to Martinelli following their investigation.
Despite being invited to attend an interview under caution to explain his actions, Martinelli failed to attend twice. Upon attending a third interview, he admitted responsibility for the items. Initially, the council issued a £1,000 fixed penalty notice to resolve the matter. However, after Martinelli failed to pay the fine, the local authority proceeded with a formal prosecution.
The total financial penalty of £2,400 now includes the original fine, as well as court costs and a victim surcharge. David Bullock, director of assets, highways and waste at Wiltshire Council, warned that the authority will continue to pursue those who damage the local environment.
"There is simply no excuse for dumping waste in our countryside," Mr Bullock said. "Not only does fly-tipping damage the environment and spoil our rural landscapes, it also leaves taxpayers footing the bill for clearing it up. We will continue to pursue fly-tippers wherever the evidence takes us."
This case follows a series of recent enforcement actions by the council, including the fining of four individuals for dumping waste near Stonehenge. Wiltshire Council has recently increased the maximum fixed penalty notice for fly-tipping from £1,000 to £5,000, aligning with new government guidance to ensure offenders face stiffer penalties.
Residents are encouraged to help the council in tackling illegal waste disposal. Information regarding how to report fly-tipping incidents can be found on the official council website at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/fly-tipping .
Source: Gazette & Herald · View original