A smoker who threw a cigarette on the ground will now have to pay £460 in fines and costs after failing to pay a fixed penalty notice.

Yvette Chandler, 27, was seen dropping the butt in Chatham High Street and was given a fixed penalty notice of £80 but failed to pay.

Chandler, of Summerson Close, Rochester was written by Medway Council and asked why she had not paid the fine, but did not reply.

The fixed penalty notice is £80 if it is paid within 14 days, but it is reduced to £60, if paid within 10 days of being issued.

Chandler was then summoned before Medway Magistrates’ Court but failed to appear.

In her absence she was fined £200 and ordered to pay costs totalling £264.43.

Cllr Peter Hicks, head of community safety and customer contact at the council, said: “Most people don’t litter and make sure they dispose of their rubbish, including cigarettes, properly.

“However, a small minority do not.

“This is anti-social and shows a lack of consideration for others. If you drop litter, including cigarette butts, and we catch you doing it you will be prosecuted.”