A WOMAN has been sentenced after admitting to failing in a duty of care after waste was found fly-tipped in three locations.

Joanna Phillips was fined after rubbish from her property, including garden waste and clothes, was found in Halstead, Little Maplestead and Ridgewell.

The 42-year-old of Brendon Drive, Halstead, claimed she paid an unknown person to take the waste away.

She was fined £120, told to pay costs of £400 and a victim surcharge of £30 when she appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates Court last Thursday.

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

Wendy Schmitt, member 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."

In 2017/18, there were 768 fly-tipping incidents in the district which cost the council £44,936 to clear.