A WOMAN has been fined after admitting to a duty of care offence linked to fly-tipping in a car park outside a community hall.

Donna May Thomas was sentenced last Thursday after the waste was found outside Glebe Hall in Glebe Avenue, Braintree, in March.

When it was examined it was found to have come from her home in Glebe Avenue and she said she paid an unknown person to take it away.

The 40-year-old was fined £120, ordered to pay £300 in costs and a victim surcharge of £30 at Chelmsford Magistrates Court.

Braintree Council took legal action against her under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for failing in her duty of care when passing on her waste to someone else to remove.

Wendy Schmitt, councillor for environment and place, said: "These cases are a reminder that if it’s your waste, it is your responsibility.

"It also raises the importance of the Love Essex #CrimeNotToCare campaign which reminds residents that even if you give your waste to someone else and it’s dumped, you could end up with a hefty fine and a criminal record.

"You can help reduce fly-tipping by carrying out some easy checks to ensure you protect yourself. Simply make a note of who you have given your waste to and ask them for a waste carrier number and vehicle details."