A Basildon resident has been found guilty of littering a cigarette butt whilst travelling in a rental vehicle in Basildon.

Keegan Straw of Great Knightleys, Basildon, did not attend the court hearing and was found guilty in his absence.

The offence took place on Wednesday 10 April 2019, where a uniformed Enforcement Officer observed a cigarette butt being thrown from the window of the rental car.

Mr Straw was given the chance to pay a £75 Fixed Penalty Notice. However, he failed to do so and was prosecuted for littering.

The matters were then heard in court on 15 November 2019 and he was sentenced to a fine of £150, victim surcharge of £30 and ordered to pay £100 in prosecution costs.

Chairman of Basildon Council’s Neighbourhoods and Public Spaces Committee Councillor David Harrison said: “This resident underestimated the consequences of throwing a cigarette out of the car window.

"All littering is an offence – it doesn’t matter what it is, or how small it is.

“I hope that this serves as a warning, I want people to know that we support the vast majority who don’t litter, and we will hold those who litter accountable.

“We are now targeting those don't conform, so, if you have litter or rubbish be sure to do the right thing and bin it."