by Jenni Horn

A bargain hunter who dropped a cigarette end has landed a fine and court costs of almost £400.

Maurice Kimber, of Canterbury Street, Gillingham, was spotted by two council officers as he threw the butt on the ground outside the 99p shop on Gillingham High Street.

He was handed a fixed penalty notice for the offence on July 28, last year.

But the 64-year-old did not pay the £80 fine so the case went to court yesterday (Monday).

Kimber, who did not appear at the hearing, has been fined £100 by magistrates and was also ordered to pay £286 court costs.

In a separate case held at Medway Magistrates' Court on the same day, Michael Hamilton was fined for throwing a cigarette butt outside Greggs Bakery on Chatham High Street on August 1, last year.

Two council officers saw Hamilton, of The Tideway, Rochester, throw the butt on to the pavement.

The 20-year-old was issued with a fixed penalty notice for £80, reduced to £60 if paid within 10 days, but did not pay and did not respond to any letters from the council.

Magistrates have fined Hamilton, who did not appear in court, £100. He has also been ordered to pay £286 court costs.

Cllr Mike O'Brien, portfolio holder for community safety, said: "Throwing litter in a public place is a thoughtless act that shows a lack of regard for others who live in and use the local area.

"It is ironic that one of these defendants was heading into a 99p store to pick up a bargain and now has such a large fine, but the real message in regards to both these cases is that if you litter and one of our officers spots you the council will prosecute."