A MEMBER of the public who witnessed a man fly-tipping green garden waste has been key to a successful prosecution.

The incident happened on March 9, 2021, when a member of the public witnessed Roderick Mackinnon, of Oakwood, Church Crookham, fly-tipping green garden waste at Crookham Memorial Hall, Crookham Village.

Mackinnon pleaded not guilty at his first court appearance in December 2021, so went to Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on June 13, 2022, where he was found guilty and ordered to pay £4,741 in fines and costs.

Speaking about the case, Cllr Tina Collins, cabinet member for regulatory services at Hart District Council, said: “This is a great success for Hart, and it would not have been possible if the member of the public had not come forward and reported the crime. Thank you on behalf of the council.

“The support of witnesses can be the key to a prosecution. If you see someone fly-tipping we need your help to take that person to task and to try to put a stop to this sort of illegal activity.

“If you do see something, the information on what you’ve seen can help us catch the culprit. It is important to remember that fly-tippers are committing a crime and they do not want to be caught. Please do not approach them.”

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious behaviour to their district or borough council, and give as many details as possible.

This can include the date and time, make and registration of the vehicle involved, how many people were involved and a description of what they looked like.