An illegal fly-tipper caught by hidden cameras at the local council was sentenced to six weeks in jail
Graham Swinbourne (39), convinced a homeowner that he would legally dispose of his rubbish before driving just a few miles to Gravesend, Kent.
Surveillance footage shows him dumping the haul in broad daylight in Northfleet Green Road – a fly-tipping hotspot.
Gravesham council deployed the hidden camera because he refused to cooperate in an investigation.
Graham Swinbourne (39), convinced a homeowner that he would legally dispose of the rubbish (pictured above), before driving just a few miles to Gravesend, Kent.
Swinbourne appeared before Sevenoaks Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty a number of fly-tipping offences.
He was sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment and also ordered to pay £156 compensation and £250 in costs.
Just over a year ago, he confessed to having spit at a park warden and then told him that he was suffering from Covid.
Swinbourne, who had admitted common assault against a Gravesham Borough Council civil enforcer officer in February 2021 was given a 12-month community sentence and was subject to a three month curfew.
Officer had been trying to enforce parking restrictions. Body-worn CCTV footage that Medway Magistrates viewed of the incident revealed Swinbourne throwing stones at him and declaring she has coronavirus.
After the court hearing, Gravesham council member Cllr Shane MochrieCox said that he does not accept fly-tipping and that he uses all his powers to prosecute those responsible.
“As part our investment in environmental enforcement, we purchased and installed hidden cameras in various places around the borough. The clear purpose of this was to bring offenders to justice. In this case the evidence provided by the hidden cameras was undisputed.
Fly-tippers are to be ware! We can and will move cameras. While you may not be able to see them, it is likely they will be following you.
Swinbourne (pictured) was sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment and also ordered to pay £156 compensation and £250 in costs
“Most residents of the Borough are responsible, law-abiding citizens. They want to keep this area clean and tidy.
“This technology is part our larger investment to combat fly-tipping, and prevent such incidents from happening.”
Cllr Mochrie-Cox said: “I’m grateful to the court that Swinbourne was imprisoned, as he is clearly an individual who has no regard for other people.
“This sentence should serve as a strong warning to those who might consider dumping their waste here in Gravesham.