A man from Luton whose renovation type rubbish was found dumped on the A505 near Baldock - as well as other country roads across North Herts has been ordered to pay a total of £1821.57.

Ion Mihai Ciobotea of Alder Crescent attended Stevenage Magistrates' Court on Friday, December 15, pleading guilty to four duty of care offences for failing to take reasonable measures available to prevent the escape of waste and ensuring it was transferred only to an authorised person.

He admitted he had arranged for the collection of the waste but had employed someone else to dispose of it on four separate occasions within six weeks in 2021 – 12 July, 3 August, 9 August and 23 August.

The total charge is made up of a compensation order of £529.52 (£132.38 per offence), a fine of £720 (£180 per offence), a victim surcharge of £72 and £500 costs to the council. Mr Ciobotea, who is currently unemployed, was ordered to pay £60 per month, with payments increasing when he finds work.

Cllr Amy Allen, Executive Member for Recycling and Waste Management, said: "We are pleased with the guilty plea, and are grateful to our staff for their hard work for bringing this case to an effective conclusion.

"However, it never ceases to amaze us why people think it's ok to get rid of their waste without doing the necessary checks. It is your responsibility to check any waste carrier you use is registered – which they will have no problem confirming upon request – so you can ensure your waste will be disposed of responsibly, otherwise as this case demonstrates, you will be liable."