Two fly-tippers have been fined hundreds of pounds after being prosecuted for the dumping of waste.

Both cases were brought by St Albans council and heard at the city’s magistrates’ court earlier this month.

The first involved Linda Neale, of Chiltern Road, St Albans, who pleaded guilty to depositing controlled waste without an environmental permit after dumping a carpet and an old ironing board at Nashes Farm in Sandridge on May 18, 2016.

She was ordered to pay a total of £972.12, made up of a £375 fine, a £559.12 contribution to council costs and a victim surcharge of £38.

In a separate case, Cosmin Ionita, of Rodeheath, Luton, admitted failing to discharge a duty of care in carrying controlled waste following the dumping of a dining table, an oven, garden furniture and other waste at Lye Lane, Bricket Wood, on or about February 2 this year.

The 36year-old of Rodeheath, Luton was ordered to pay a total of £891.50, made up of a £265 fine, £300 in compensation to the council for waste removal, a £300 contribution to the council’s costs and a victim surcharge of £26.50.

Cllr Daniel Chichester-Miles, the council’s portfolio holder for the environment, said that it had cost the authority £41,620 to clear fly-tipped waste in the last financial year and he described it as ‘a selfish act’.

Pc Jane Flemons, who is the dedicated rural and wildlife crime officer for the district, said: “These were joint investigations between the council and the police. We have built up good relationships with landowners and share their frustration. I hope this sends out a warning to others thinking about fly-tipping.

“It’s also worth bearing in mind that you might not dump the rubbish, but you still have a duty of care to dispose of your unwanted goods. Always use a reputable company – it’s not worth the risk of a hefty fine.”