Cigarette ends resulted in fines
Six smokers who littered Sunderland city centre with cigarette ends have been hit in the pocket after they were fined by a court.
Another who littered Southwick Green has also been fined by South Tyneside Magistrates' Court after the bench heard evidence from Sunderland City Council.
In each incident the council says Neighbourhood Enforcement Officer witnessed the defendant depositing a cigarette end onto the ground and walking away.
Each was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £150 for the offence of littering, but failed to pay the penalty charge despite several reminder letters.
Due to this, the matters were referred for legal proceedings.
They were also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £34 and costs of £235 by the court as it heard details of the incidents. They are:
*Louie Breeds, of Malings Close, failed to attend court and the case was proven in his absence.
*Angela Carney, of Anglesey Square, pleaded guilty by post with mitigation.
*Gavin Joyce, of Norfolk Street, failed to attend court and the case was proven in his absence.
*Bethany Minchell, of Cairo Street, failed to attend court and the case was proven in her absence.
*Tamarra Cobb, of St Leonard Street, failed to attend court and the case was proven in her absence.
*Stacey Hedley, of Percy Street, Jarrow, failed to attend court and the case was proven in her absence.
*Courtney Gardiner, of Prestbury Road, pleaded guilty by post.
The Echo runs the Clean Streets campaign in a bid to make the city a greener and cleaner place to be.
The council’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Claire Rowntree, said: "On behalf of thousands of Sunderland residents, there is a very simple message here: people should not be treating our city streets and neighbourhoods with such disregard.
"Everybody must take responsibility for disposing of their litter and waste legally and appropriately, including cigarette ends.
"If you are littering our city you can face a penalty notice and if you ignore this, you will face court."
Report litter and flytipping by visiting https://www. sunderland.gov.uk/reportlitter.