A CARPET fitter who dumped carpets out of the back of a van onto the street has been prosecuted in court.

Mohammed Ishfaq, 37, will have to complete 120 hours of community service and pay £400 costs.

Prosecutor Syam Soni told Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court that Ishfaq was caught on CCTV with another man as they tipped out carpets from the back of a van in Barkerend, Bradford.

“The registration number of the van was put through the system and came back to his wife,” Mr Soni said.

“She was interviewed and made admissions that the individuals on the film were her husband and her cousin.”

When Ishfaq was interviewed by Bradford Council enforcement officers, he admitted he was responsible.

He told the officers that the carpets had been in his back yard and were damaged by rain. He said his wife had told him to get rid of them.

Ishfaq, of Thorn Grove, Bradford, pleaded guilty to being in charge of a vehicle used to deposit controlled waste and of depositing controlled waste without a permit.

Through his interpreter, Ishfaq denied that the carpets had anything to do with his business.

He said: “I am very sorry, I just dumped them there for no reason – I did not think.”

He will have to complete his 120 hours of unpaid community work within 12 months.

After the hearing, Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for environment, sport and culture, welcomed the sentence the court had dished out.

She said: “We are pleased that the courts are taking these cases very seriously because of the enormous cost and environmental damage which is caused by fly-tipping.

“We hope that people will learn the lesson that dumping large amounts of rubbish on the streets is anti-social and unacceptable criminal behaviour and those who are caught will face a heavy penalty.

“If you see fly-tipping taking place, please note down as many details as possible, including vehicle licence plate numbers, and inform the Council.”

Fly-tipping can be reported by calling Bradford Council on 01274 434366 and asking for the Environment Enforcement Team or by visiting its website, www.bradford.gov.uk.