A MAN has been fined by the council for tossing a cigarette out of his car window in Nailsworth.

Paul Coleman, of Ashburnham Road, Northampton was prosecuted by Stroud District Council for a littering offence at a hearing that took place on Monday, November 17, at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court.

Mr Coleman had failed to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice relating to a cigarette he was witnessed throwing from the window of his vehicle in the centre of Nailsworth on March 27, this year.

The FPN was for a sum of £75, which would be reduced to £50 if paid within 10 days of service.

Mr Coleman made no attempt to pay the fine or to discuss matters with the council, despite being contacted on numerous occasions.

He also failed to attend court and was convicted of the offence in his absence. The judge imposed a fine of £200, a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £202.50.

The Chair of Stroud District Council’s Environment Committee Cllr Simon Pickering said: “Throwing cigarettes out of car windows is not cool. It is just plain disrespectful.

“This prosecution once again demonstrates Stroud District Council’s resolve to pursue that minority of irresponsible, out of touch people who insist on littering our towns and countryside.

“The court has shown that it treats the non-payment of fines very seriously with this significant punishment and Mr Coleman must now wish that he had taken the opportunities provided to settle the matter earlier.”