A Barking resident has been found guilty at court after being caught on CCTV illegally dumping waste from a vehicle in broad daylight.

On 30 July 2024, Barking and Dagenham Council received a complaint about waste being deposited from a vehicle on Halsham Crescent. The incident, captured on CCTV, showed a male unloading rubbish directly onto the street from a vehicle.

Following a swift investigation, council officers gathered a witness statement and submitted a request to the DVLA to identify the vehicle’s registered keeper. On 13 September 2024, the DVLA confirmed the vehicle was registered to Mr Hemanth Raj Tella of Cavendish Gardens, Barking.

A formal notice was issued under Section 17 of the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1972, requiring Mr Tella to identify the driver at the time of the offence. After failing to respond to both the initial notice and a subsequent reminder, the case was escalated.

Mr Tella was summoned to appear at Barkingside Magistrates Court on 20 May 2025 where he was ordered to pay a fine of £440, costs to Barking and Dagenham Council of £912.46 and a Victim Surcharge of £176, totalling £1,528.46.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “This case sends a clear message: if you dump waste illegally in our borough, we will find you and hold you accountable. Our streets are not dumping grounds, and we’re committed to protecting the environment and the wellbeing of our residents.”

If residents are aware of someone fly-tipping, they can report it to the council by emailing grimecrime@lbbd.gov.uk.