A 52-year-old man from St Ives has been hit with a fine for hundreds of pounds after admitting failing in his duty of care to dispose of rubbish properly.

Paperwork found in fly-tipped rubbish in Willingham led investigators from South Cambridgeshire District Council to Edward Dickson, of All Saints Green.

Dickson had been employed by a homeowner in Longstanton to remove a large amount of domestic waste, which he subsequently passed on to a third party.

The waste was then fly-tipped.

Appearing at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court, Dickson was ordered to pay £837 in fines and costs in a prosecution brought by the district council.

Councillor Mick Martin, environmental services chief at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “There is never an excuse for dumping rubbish when there are so many legal options for having it taken away from homes and businesses.

“Paying unlicensed waste carriers or trying to avoid trade waste costs is a false economy, as you’ll only end up with a bigger outlay when we take you to court. Do it right the first time.”

To check for registered waste carriers visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk and search the public register. You can also telephone 08708 506 506.