Man who dumped freezer full of rotting food in East Northants caught after warrant issued

A man is paying the price after pleading guilty to fly-tipping a freezer full of rotting food in East Northants.
The dumped freezerThe dumped freezer
The dumped freezer

During a house clearance in Warmington in March 2015, Nicholas Smith from Peterborough removed a freezer full of putrid food from the property but instead of disposing of it legally, he chose to dump it on the verge of the road between Warmington and Fotheringhay.

Following a tip-off from a witness, the vehicle was traced by East Northamptonshire Council’s waste team through the DVLA and Smith was contacted as the registered owner.

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At an interview under caution, Smith admitted fly-tipping the freezer which he described as ‘radioactive’ and so nauseating that he had to condemn the van that it was carried in.

The freezer was dumped in East NorthantsThe freezer was dumped in East Northants
The freezer was dumped in East Northants

When asked by ENC officers what he thought would happen to the dumped fridge, he responded: “I just thought someone would come and get it.

“I knew I shouldn’t have done it.”

Smith then failed to attend court twice so a warrant was issued for his arrest.

East Northants Council was informed in December 2016 that Smith is currently remanded in custody pending trial for other serious matters.

The freezer was dumped in East NorthantsThe freezer was dumped in East Northants
The freezer was dumped in East Northants
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He was presented in court in January 2017 where he pleaded guilty to fly-tipping via video link.

The District Judge was limited as to what penalty and costs he could impose as it would be unlikely costs would be recovered.

He therefore sentenced him to a further seven days custody, stating: “This was the best outcome in the circumstances.”

Leader of East Northants Council, Steven North, said: “We will, and do, pursue those who fly-tip in our district.

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“Our waste enforcement team works tirelessly in an effort to bring these illegal dumpers before the courts.

“They must not be allowed to have such total disregard for the environment and the communities where we live.

“We see it as a very serious offence and so do the courts, as demonstrated through this tough sentence which I hope acts as a severe warning to anyone tempted to fly-tip in the future.”

To report fly-tipping, visit www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/flytipping.

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