Fly-tipper ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and fined more than £1,100
A Southampton man who admitted fly-tipping a trailer tent and associated waste in a Nursling layby has been ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and pay a fine of more than £1,100.
Christopher Gale pleaded guilty to the offence at Southampton Magistrates’ Court after dumping the waste on Station Road, Nursling, on 13 May 2025.
Test Valley Borough Council received two reports from local residents about the fly-tip.
Council officers identified a vehicle linked to the incident and used a DVLA search to trace the registered owner.
Mr Gale later attended an interview under caution, where he admitted being in control of the vehicle and leaving the trailer at the site.
During the hearing on 8 July 2026, the defence claimed the trailer belonged to Mr Gale’s brother and had been left temporarily due to towing issues, with plans to return and collect it. However, the court heard that no contact had been made with the council, no note had been left on the trailer and it remained in the layby for ten days before being removed at taxpayers’ expense. The magistrates rejected the explanation, stating they did not believe there had ever been any intention to return for it.
Mr Gale was sentenced to a 12-month community order and must complete 150 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay costs in excess of £1,100.
Councillor David Drew, portfolio holder for recycling and environmental services at Test Valley Borough Council, said: “This case shows that fly-tipping is not a victimless crime - in this case the victim is the innocent council taxpayer. Clearing up illegally dumped waste takes time and money, with the cost ultimately falling on taxpayers.
“Thanks to reports from local residents and evidence gathered by our officers, we were able to identify the person responsible and bring this case before the courts.
“We investigate all fly-tips, so if you dump waste illegally in Test Valley, you can expect to be traced and held accountable.”