Deans calls for tougher litter fines

DUP councillor Timothy Deans was commenting on a legal matter, in which Council had prosecuted a Coleraine woman for illegally dumping waste.

The conviction resulted in the woman having to pay a 50 fine, 70 in legal costs and 16 in court costs.

“This is totally laughable,” remarked councillor Deans.

“I propose that we write to the new Justice Minister, and ask him to review these fines.

“They certainly don’t reflect the work that our staff have put in to bring the case before a court and it certainly isn’t tough enough to make people think twice about fly tipping.”

UUP Alderman David McClarty, agreed with councillor Deans, seconding his proposal. He said: “Those who litter our streets and our beaches should be punished.

“It only takes a small number to create an unsightly image. The sooner the courts hand our more ample fines, the better.”

On being put to a vote, the proposal, to write to the Justice Minister and ask him to review the fine system, was carried.