A Barking smoker has been ordered to pay over £700 after he was caught dropping his cigarette on the floor.



During a routine foot patrol, Barking and Dagenham Council enforcement officers witnessed Mr Atrurs Daniluks dispose of his cigarette on the path outside Barking Station.



Officers approached Mr Daniluks and after introducing themselves and showing their IDs, they explained what they had seen and issued him with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £150.



They advised him to pay the fine with 14 days to avoid the matter going to court.



However, despite several reminders, Mr Daniluks of Priory Road, Barking refused to pay the fine and was summoned to court.



The case was heard on Tuesday 30 March 2021, but Mr Daniluks failed to attend and in his absence was ordered to pay a total of £704.



Councillor Margaret Mullane, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “We take littering extremely seriously in Barking and Dagenham and we won’t stand for anyone trying to turn our streets into their dumping yard.



“If this person had just used a bin, we wouldn’t be talking about this and he now wouldn’t have a huge fine hanging over his head.”



Littering is an offence contrary to s.87 Environmental Protection Act 1990 and punishable upon successful conviction to a maximum fine of £2,500 in a Magistrates Court.