A WOMAN has been fined after her discarded roof box and branches were found in a lay-by.

Braintree Council took action against Sarah Dunbar, of Sutor Close, Witham.

She was charged with a failure in duty of care of her waste after paying an unknown person to take waste from her property.

The rubbish was found fly-tipped in a lay-by between Coggeshall and Feering in November 2017.

Timber, a roof box for a car and branches from a tree were among the rubbish.

The 33 year-old denied the offence when she appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court last week, but after obtaining legal advice, changed her plea and admitted the offence.

Braintree Council said Dunbar was given plenty time to provide details of the person but failed to do so. Dunbar was fined, had to pay a victim surcharge and pay costs to Braintree Council - a total of £758.

Braintree councillor Wendy Schmitt, cabinet member for environment and place, said: “Fly-tipping is a selfish and disgusting act that not only harms the environment but it costs the taxpayer to clear it up.

“This particular case sends out a clear message that if it’s your waste it’s your responsibility, and even if someone else has dumped your waste, you could be the one picking up the fine.

“A lot of people do not realise they can be the one who is prosecuted for failing in their duty of care, so if you ask a third party to dispose of your waste for you, always check they have a valid waste carriers licence before doing so.

“We take fly-tipping very seriously and will prosecute those who don’t dispose of their waste in a responsible way.”