A MAN is counting the cost of flytipping after being caught on camera illegally dumping waste.
Gary John Colledge was fined £165, ordered to pay costs of £630 and a £15 victim surcharge, after being found guilty of breaching environmental laws.
The 25-year-old, of Eden Lane, Peterlee, and a second man were captured on CCTV dumping building waste and rubble on land near Shotton Colliery pond.
Colledge admitted leaving the waste, but claimed he had been given permission to use it to fill potholes, when he appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court.
He said that on that day, he had been approached by a man who had asked if he could use the rubble, which was in the back of his van, to fill a hole on the track to the pond.
Colledge claimed he did not know the name of the man, but thought he had the authority to allow him to leave the waste.
His story was confirmed by his companion.
However, it was rejected by magistrates.
The court heard Durham County Council, which owns the site, had not given anyone permission to dump waste in the area or fill in potholes.
It was also noted that signs are in place at the entrance to the access road warning against flytipping, and stating that CCTV cameras are in operation.
To see a video of the flytipping, go to wwww,sunderlandecho.com