A FLY-tipper has been convicted of depositing controlled waste in a Redbourn lane after he was caught in a joint operation between the district council and the local police. Dean Gale, aged 42, of Hemel Hempstead, pleaded guilty to dumping the waste in Pu

A FLY-tipper has been convicted of depositing controlled waste in a Redbourn lane after he was caught in a joint operation between the district council and the local police.

Dean Gale, aged 42, of Hemel Hempstead, pleaded guilty to dumping the waste in Punch Bowl Lane when he appeared at St Albans Magistrates Court last week. He also asked for one other matter to be taken into account.

Gale was fined �2,000 and ordered to pay compensation of just over �140 to the council, along with prosecution costs of �85.

Cllr Mike Ellis, St Albans district council's portfolio holder for the environment and sustainability, said: "Fly-tipping spoils our local neighbourhoods and quality of life. I would urge any residents who spot it happening to provide the council with information so that we can not only clean up the area concerned, but take action against the person committing the offence."

Sergeant Lewis Ducket, of the Harpenden Safer Neighbourhood Team, which worked with the council on the operation, said: "I am pleased with the outcome of this case as it demonstrates those who commit fly-tipping will be caught, dealt with and punished.

"I hope it sends out a clear message that the agencies in St Albans such as the police and the council will work together to deal with those responsible of this type of crime, to ensure the district is a safe and clean place for all."

He added: "We listened to local residents in Redbourn, particularly farmers, who told us there was an issue with fly-tipping in the area, and we acted to deal with it. Tackling fly-tipping in Redbourn is a priority for the neighbourhood officers who cover the area, which was set in agreement with local residents."

If anyone sees someone fly-tipping they should make a note of the number of people involved, a description of what they look like, the amount and type of waste, along with any vehicle details. They should then call the council on 0845 125 8000 or email clientservices@stalbans.gov.uk, or call the police on 0845 33 00 222.