Oldham man fined after waste linked to him was fly-tipped in Ellesmere Port

An Oldham man has been fined after waste linked to him was found fly-tipped in Ellesmere Port.

Tom Kelly appeared before Chester Magistrates' Court on 4th November 2026, where he pleaded guilty to failing in his duty of care in relation to waste, contrary to Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

The case followed an investigation by Cheshire West and Chester Council after fly-tipped waste was reported at Warkworth Court, Ellesmere Port, on 8th August 2025.

Council officers inspected the waste, which included black bin bags and cardboard boxes. Evidence recovered from the waste linked it to Mr Kelly.

As part of the investigation, Mr Kelly was invited on three occasions to attend a voluntary interview under caution but did not respond. A Fixed Penalty Notice was subsequently issued, but it remained unpaid.

During the court hearing, Mr Kelly stated that he held an organisational role in a bikers' club and had passed the waste to another person for disposal. He said the waste had not been disposed of correctly, resulting in the fly-tip. He also expressed remorse for the offence.

Magistrates fined Mr Kelly £200 and ordered him to pay £400 in costs, comprising £200 legal costs and £200 enforcement costs, together with a victim surcharge of £80, making a total financial penalty of £680.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhood Pride, Cllr Stuart Bingham, 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."

Fly-tipping can have a detrimental impact on local communities and the environment. The Council continues to investigate reports of environmental crime and take appropriate action where offenders are identified.

Residents can report fly-tipping through the Council's website:

Fly tipping | Cheshire West and Chester Council