A MAN has been sent to prison for nine weeks after fly-tipping at a Bromyard caravan park.

Paul Biddle was found guilty in his absence of fly-tipping offences between April 14 and 30 at Hereford Magistrates Court last week.

The offences involved tipping controlled waste – including a sofa, car and mattress – at a Bromyard caravan park.

It was prosecuting authority Herefordshire Council's first ever custodial sentence awarded for a fly-tipping offence.

The maximum penalty for fly tipping is a £50,000 fine and/or five years imprisonment.

Marc Willimont, Herefordshire Council’s Head of Regulatory and Development Management Services, said: “Custodial sentences are reserved for the most serious offences, and Mr Biddle’s sentence proves that Herefordshire Council takes fly-tipping enforcement very seriously.

“Action will be taken against any resident or business which illegally disposes of their waste or does not ensure that their waste is collected by a registered waste carrier.

“We would encourage anyone who sees fly-tipping in action to report the details directly to Herefordshire Council. The Community Protection Team will investigate fly-tipping cases that are reported via the Herefordshire Council website or by calling 01432 261761."

For further information visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/flytipping