Dropped cigarette butt costsman £240

A DISCARDED cigarette butt has cost a Hull man 240.

Michael Hucknall, 21, of Boothferry Road, was prosecuted by Hull Council for dropping a cigarette near the Ferensway transport interchange on March 27.

He was found guilty in his absence at Hull Magistrates’ Court, fined 100 and ordered to pay costs to the council of 125, plus a victim surcharge of 15.

The council has pledged to continue a crackdown on environmental crime after also successfully prosecuting a woman for daubing graffiti on a block of flats.

Donna Abel, 23, of Valentines Close, Kingston upon Hull, was prosecuted for writing graffiti on a building in Millport Drive.

She also failed to appear at court and was found guilty in her absence. Abel was also fined 100 and ordered to pay the same victim surcharge and costs.

The council said the crackdown was aimed at reducing the amount of dog-fouling, litter, graffiti and fly-tipping in the city.

Environmental enforcement officer Lisa Dixon said: “We want people to feel pride in the city and their local environment. Our message is clear; if you are found not to be disposing of your litter correctly you may receive a fixed penalty notice or be liable for legal action.

“You should always stop and think before disposing your litter and look for the nearest bin, or to put it in your pocket until you find one.”

As well as taking a hard line against offenders, the council said it wanted to work with residents to combat environmental crime.

Coun Mike Ross, portfolio holder for customer and neighbourhood Services, said: “The council is keen to keep the city clean.

“We have invested tremendous amount of resources into this work, but also need the help and support of local residents and visitors to achieve the standards we all want.”