An Oldham man was fined £200 and must pay £680 in all after waste linked to him was fly-tipped at Warkworth Court, Ellesmere Port. Updated November 2026.
An Oldham man must pay £680 after waste linked to him was found fly-tipped at Warkworth Court in Ellesmere Port.
Tom Kelly appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 4 November and pleaded guilty to failing in his duty of care over waste. The offence falls under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
How the council traced the waste
The case began when fly-tipped waste was reported at Warkworth Court on 8 August 2025. Cheshire West and Chester Council officers inspected it and found black bin bags and cardboard boxes. The council says evidence recovered from the waste linked it to Mr Kelly.
He was then invited three times to a voluntary interview under caution and did not respond, the council said. A Fixed Penalty Notice followed, and it went unpaid.
What he told the court
Mr Kelly told the hearing that he held an organisational role in a bikers’ club and had passed the waste to another person to dispose of. He said it had not been disposed of correctly, which led to the fly-tip. He also expressed remorse.
The council’s account does not say who left the waste at Warkworth Court.
What he has to pay
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fine | £200 |
| Legal costs | £200 |
| Enforcement costs | £200 |
| Victim surcharge | £80 |
| Total | £680 |
What the council said
Cllr Stuart Bingham, the council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhood Pride, said: “Fly-tipping is not a victimless crime. It leaves communities suffering the mess and council tax payers picking up the bill.
“Whether waste is dumped by an individual or handed to someone else who disposes of it illegally, people have a legal duty to make sure it is dealt with properly.
“Our message is simple: if we find evidence linking waste to those responsible, we will investigate and we will take action. If you don’t pay a fixed penalty notice we will prosecute through the courts.
“The council is committed to keeping our borough clean and will continue to pursue those who fail to meet their responsibilities.”
What it means for you
- Handing your rubbish to someone else does not end your responsibility. This case turned on the duty of care, and the council says that duty applies when waste is passed on.
- Before you pay anyone to take rubbish away, read the three checks the council recommends.
- Taking it yourself? Our recycling centre guide has the opening times.
- If you see fly-tipping, report it on the council’s fly-tipping page.
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