DROPPING rubbish in County Durham cost 15 people a combined total of more than £5,000.

Three pleaded guilty by post and 12 were found guilty in their absence at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

They were Michael Broughton, 20, of Peterlee Cottages, Wheatley Hill; David Callaghan, 50, of Lilac Park, Ushaw Moor; Melanie Campbell, 30, of Melrose Drive, Bishop Auckland; Chelsea Daglish, 25, of North Drive, Spennymoor; Rachel Fearon, 28, of Derwent Close, Sacriston; Joseph Johnson, 20, of Kirklea Road, Houghton; Callum Robson, 19, of Crook Avenue, Bearpark; Michael Sowinski, 26, of Castledene Road, Consett; Rachel Stanwix, 34, of Front Street, Chester-le-Street; and John Topping, 33, of Hall Crescent, Horden, all County Durham; and Sarah Harris, 28, of Brighton Grove, Newcastle; Emma Hooe, 37, Mark Jackson, 37, and Samantha Jackson, 43, all of Conway Crescent, Barnoldswick, Lancashire; and Ann McCann, 50, of Cavell Drive, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.

All were fined £220, except Rachel Stanwix and Mark and Samantha Jackson who got reduced fines of £40 for early guilty pleas and ordered to pay a £30 victim surcharge and £130 in legal costs, except Mark and Samantha Jackson.

Ian Hoult, Durham County Council’s neighbourhood protection manager, said: “It really does take very little effort to dispose of your litter responsibly but the consequences of not doing so can be very costly.

“The 15 people whose cases have been heard at court this week are facing a combined bill of almost £5,520, with the vast majority now £380 out of pocket.

“We know that littering is a concern for residents across the county.

“Hopefully, these latest prosecutions help demonstrate our continued commitment to cracking down on the problem.”