A smoker spotted stubbing out a cigarette on her own doorstep is being fined £465, despite picking up the offending item afterwards, it has been reported.
A passing litter enforcement officer in Maesycoed, South Wales issued Tracey John, 48, a £75 on the spot fine, which she refused to pay. Her local magistrates court then imposed a fine of £350 when she was convicted in absentia, also adding £100 of costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
John does not understand the verdict: "It's not like I've done a massive robbery. If I want to smoke on my doorstep they should just give me a break. I picked up the cigarette after I dropped it. It was outside my own house," she said.
Rhondda Cynon Taf council argued that John had refused to pick up the cigarette butt until after the penalty notice. A council spokesman explained: "Littering of any kind will not be tolerated in our county borough."
John says that there is "no way" she is paying the fine, adding "I'll go to jail if I have to".
But Nigel Wheeler of Rhondda Cynon Taf council was equally defiant, saying "eco-criminals will not be tolerated".