A man has been fined more than £600 after illegally moving waste without a licence.

Daryl Brazil, 28, from Sullington Copse, Storrington, was found by officers from Braintree Council and Essex Police at an illegal traveller encampment in Witham.

Brazil was in a commercial vehicle moving hedge cuttings from work he had completed at an address in Maldon, but did not hold a Waste Carriers Licence from the Environment Agency.

He was issued with a £300 fixed penalty notice for the offence, but failed to pay it.

On Thursday, February 1 Brazil was due to appear before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court but did not attend.

The case was heard in his absence and he was fined £660, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £66 and pay costs of £327 after being found guilty.

Councillor Wendy Schmitt, responsible for environment and place, said: “Cases such as these show that we are not afraid to take legal action against those who fail to remove and dispose of waste legally and safely.

“We hope this sends a very clear message to anyone thinking of breaking the law in this way.”