After receiving reports of occupants in a van fly-tipping waste at Blackbrook Square and Howley Lane, the council investigated the incidents and were able to connect the van with McColl, with witness accounts at the two different locations assisting the investigation.

McColl pleaded guilty, at Warrington Magistrates Court on Friday 14 June 2024, for allowing the vehicle which was under his control to deposit the fly-tipped waste.

The magistrates issued a £500 fine and imposed 60 hours unpaid work, with a £140 victim surcharge added on at a reduced rate for his guilty pleas.

David Boyer, Director of Environment and Transport, said: “This is a good example of members of the public working cooperatively with us to identify and apprehend an offender. We will always pursue effective lines of enquiry and use all our available powers to tackle fly-tipping which causes a real blight on local areas.

“Vehicle owners should be aware that they can face substantial fines if their vehicle is used in a fly-tipping incident. This applies whether the owner claims they were aware of the illegal activity or not.”

Anybody with information relating to a fly-tipping incident should report it to us. Residents can provide information in relation to fly tipping incidents at warrington.gov.uk/fly-tipping