A MEMBER of the public helped Bradford Council catch a fly-tipper in Keighley after he was seen dumping rubbish.

Stuart McGuiness was seen to drive up Damems Road in a Ford Transit van before dumping black bin liners from the vehicle and setting fire to them.

After receiving information from the witness, Bradford Council enforcement officers traced the van back to a rental company in Lancashire.

At the time the rubbish was dumped in January this year, the van had been rented to McGuiness, of Bracken Bank Avenue, Keighley.

McGuiness attended an interview with enforcement officers where he admitted fly-tipping on Damems Road twice but claimed that the rubbish he dumped was wood sheeting, not bin bags.

Enforcement officers offered Mcguiness a £400 Fixed Penalty Notice which he agreed to pay but Bradford Magistrates’ Court was told that as no payment had been received, a prosecution was instigated.

Man fined after truck was used to dump waste on Norbury Road

After pleading guilty to depositing controlled waste, McGuiness, 36, was fined £583 with £350 costs and told to pay £58 Victim Surcharge.

A spokesperson for the Council said: “This case shows that Bradford Council can tackle fly-tipping more effectively if members of the public are prepared to help us out.

“Fly-tipping is a crime against the environment and against communities who are sick of people dumping rubbish on the streets when there are lots of legitimate ways of disposing of it.

“We can’t have cameras and enforcement officers everywhere so if people are prepared to help we can make sure the criminals don’t get away with their anti-social behaviour.

"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 be calling the Council 01274 431000 and asking for Environment Enforcement or online at www.bradford.gov.uk.