THIS is the shocking moment fly-tippers dumped a mountain of waste on a public footpath.

Braintree Council released the photo this week as it declared war on illegal fly-tipping and vowed a “zero tolerance clampdown”.

The incident cost Great Notley businessman Hughie McGinley almost £8,000 in fines and costs after he admitted two offences at Colchester Magistrates' Court.

In November 2021, following work carried out at a property by his company, he dumped a barbeque.

Later that month he was captured on camera fly-tipping builders’ waste on to a public footpath in Bradwell, near Braintree.

The businessman was caught out after investigators from the council were able to trace the incident back to him.

In the image, two men can be seen tipping a van full of waste on to the footpath.

Braintree and Witham Times: Caught on camera - An image of the waste being disposed of on the public footpathCaught on camera - An image of the waste being disposed of on the public footpath (Image: Braintree Council)

After entering a guilty plea during his hearing, McGinley was ordered to pay a combined total of £7,820.

Council environment boss Tom Cunningham said: “When it comes to fly-tipping, we take a zero-tolerance approach.

"We investigate all incidents to look for evidence to try and hold the individuals to account for their irresponsible action.

“I am pleased that on this occasion, we secured a positive outcome to the offences that were committed.

Braintree and Witham Times: Guilty plea - A photo of Colchester Magistrates CourtGuilty plea - A photo of Colchester Magistrates Court (Image: Newsquest)

“It demonstrates that we take things seriously and the fines issued by the court will help to deter similar offences from being committed.”

The council is urging residents to take care about how waste is disposed of, especially if employing someone to collect the waste and get rid of it.

A spokesman said: “If you use a trader to remove your waste, ask to see their waste carriers' licence registration number, issued by the Environment Agency.

“You can ask for their waste carrier number and vehicle details, and contact the Environment Agency for a free instant waste carrier check.

“Check where your waste is going, and protect yourself by taking care with your waste."