A MAN has been left more than £1,000 worse off after failing to comply with a fly-tipping investigation.

Wesley Daniel Jones, 41, of Holyoake, South Moor, Stanley, did not respond to Durham County Council’s enquiries after a report of a man living at his address dumping waste in a nearby woodland.

Police passed the complaint to a council neighbourhood warden on October 6 last year.

He visited the site and found garden waste.

The warden visited Jones’ home to speak to him about the matter but there was no answer. The official left his card so the occupant could get in touch.

A warden subsequently carried out a council tax check which revealed the occupant of the address to be Jones.

Newton Aycliffe magistrates were told a legal notice was served to him compelling him to attend an interview. He had 14 days to respond.

Jones was charged with failing to assist with an investigation into a fly-tipping incident. He did not enter a plea or attend court.

Magistrates found him guilty in his absence and imposed a £660 fine and £447 in costs and victim surcharge.