Dropping a cigarette butt on the pavement in Gillingham town centre has cost a litterbug more than £400.

Parmjit Kaur, 32, was spotted discarding the cigarette in the High Street – yards from a sign warning it was an offence.

When council community officer approached her she said she did not realise she had done anything wrong.

Kaur, of St Alban’s Close, Gillingham, was issued a fixed penalty notice for £80.

But Kaur failed to attend an interview with the council.

She failed to appear before magistrates, and the case was heard in her absence.

The bench found Kaur guilty and handed her a fine.

Chairman Colin Smith said: "The defendant had the opportunity to pay £80, which could have been reduced to £60 had she taken prompt action.

"I am therefore going to add £60 to the fine, making it £140, plus a £15 victim surcharge. It has also cost money to bring this case to court and I see no reason why Mrs Kaur shouldn’t pay the full costs of £262.91."