A fly-tipper dumped a ton of rubbish in a rural lane but was caught in the act by a member of the public.

Council enforcement officers were able to bring charges against Ben McIntyre, who was convicted in court this week, after the person reported them.

The council was able to place McIntyre, of Oakley Drive in New Eltham, south east London, at the scene thanks to the witness taking the vehicle registration number.

This enabled officers to track him down as the registered owner of the vehicle where building waste was being dumped on a quiet lane just outside Folkestone.

A leading Shepway district councillor has now called on members of the public to help the authority "nail those with a blatant disregard" for the district.

McIntyre, 36, denied the charges at Folkestone Magistrates Court relating to the incident in Crete Road West in February.

But Shepway District Council secured a successful prosecution against McIntyre, who was found guilty by magistrates on Tuesday.

He denied charges of knowingly causing the unlawful deposit of the waste and failing to respond to a notice asking for his vehicle details.

Magistrates fined him £630 and imposed an order of 150 hours community service and an £85 victim surcharge.

Shepway council's cabinet member for the environment, Cllr Stuart Peall, said: "Without this witness it would not have been possible to achieve this outcome.

"This witness took a registration number and was prepared to attend court.

“This shows that we can and will take action when we have evidence or when a witness is
prepared to come forward.

"I would appeal to everyone who shares our disgust and frustration about fly-tipping to report any incidents they see and be prepared to step up to the mark with the evidence we need.

"This will help us nail those individuals who have such a blatant disregard for our district."