A Dagenham resident has been fined more than £900 after CCTV footage captured a large mattress being dumped on a public highway, leading to a prosecution at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court. 

The incident took place on 20 May 2023, when CCTV positioned on Gale Street, Dagenham, recorded the driver of a Fiat 500 depositing the mattress without authorisation. 

Council checks confirmed the vehicle was registered to Mr Gheorghe Stoica, of Eliot Road, Dagenham, who was subsequently issued with a £400 Fixed Penalty Notice. Despite being given 14 days to discharge liability, the penalty remained unpaid, resulting in the case progressing to prosecution.

Mr Stoica failed to attend his original hearing in June 2024, leading to a warrant being issued and time spent in custody before the matter was brought back before the court on 24 March 2026. He pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay of £927.25, including a £300 fine, £507.25 in prosecution costs, and a £120 victim surcharge. A collection order was made, requiring him to pay £70 per month from Tuesday 21 April. 

Keith Stanger, Director for Enforcement, Regulatory Services and Community Safety said: “Fly‑tipping is a selfish and illegal act that blights our neighbourhoods and wastes public money. Thanks to CCTV evidence and the persistence of our officers, this offender has been held accountable. 

“We hope this sends a strong message that those who dump rubbish in our borough will be tracked down and face the consequences.”

If residents have evidence of people fly-tipping, they can send to the council via grimecrime@lbbd.gov.uk.