Traveller fined for dumping rubbish at unauthorised camp in Brighton

A traveller has been convicted of fly-tipping at an unauthorised camp in Brighton.

Michael Smith, 51, denied “knowingly permitting the depositing of controlled waste” when he appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court this afternoon (Friday 9 September).

But he was found guilty by the bench and fined £1,000 for dumping building materials four months ago.

Len Batten, prosecuting on behalf of Brighton and Hove City Council, said that Smith was filmed dumping the rubbish at 19 Acre Field, off Devil’s Dyke Road, on Saturday 7 May.

The court was told that Smith lives at Fairbridge Hill Caravan Site in Fairbridge Way, Burgess Hill, and travels around sites in Brighton during the summer months.

As well as his £1,000 fine, he was ordered by magistrates to pay £200 towards the legal costs of bringing the case and £100 towards the cost of clearing the fly-tipped rubbish.

He was also ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge.