A CARELESS smoker got more than he bargained for when he flicked his cigarette butt away.

Richard Jackson, of Colburn Lane, Colburn, appeared at Northallerton Magistrates' Court on December 20 and was fined £60 and ordered to pay a £30 victim surcharge and £110 court costs for throwing down or leaving litter.

He was spotted by a member of Richmondshire District Council’s little enforcement team when he threw the cigarette from a stationary car near his home in Colburn Lane in April last year.

He was initially fined £80 but after failing to pay up he was landed with an even heftier bill – and the council said despite the offending article being a mere cigarette end, they take all littering very seriously.

Mr Jackson had to pay the initial £80 fine on top of the new charges, making it one very expensive fag break.

“This case sends a message to everyone – we take littering seriously and will prosecute people who flout the law,” said Colin Dales, corporate director at the authority.

“This man dropped the cigarette butt from his car window very close to his own home and then failed to pay the fine, even though the council attempted to help by giving him time to pay it.

“We urge people not to drop litter of any kind – please use the bins the council provides or take your rubbish home, whether that’s a crisp packet, drinks can, newspaper or cigarette end. Rubbish is bad for wildlife and the environment and we will take action when it occurs.”