A Bournemouth man has been ordered to pay almost £1,500 for failing to cooperate with a fly-tipping investigation after rubbish was dumped in Old Basing.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council prosecuted Carl Hamblett‑Smith of Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth after the rubbish, which included tyres, furniture, bedding, wood and bricks, was found blocking the entrance to a bridleway on the A30 London Road in Hatch, Old Basing on 16 October 2024.  Council officers inspected the fly-tip and found evidence linking Mr Hamblett-Smith to the rubbish.

The council started court proceedings after Mr Hamblett-Smith did not respond to letters regarding the fly-tip, make any contact with the council or attend a formal interview.

The case was heard at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Friday 6 February 2026 in Mr Hamblett-Smith’s absence, where the courts ordered he pay a fine of £440, a victim surcharge of £176, clear up costs of £166 and prosecution costs of £698.

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “Dumping waste in our borough is completely unacceptable and we will not hesitate to take action against anyone who refuses to cooperate with our investigations.

“This case shows that those who fail to take responsibility for their actions will face serious consequences. We are committed to protecting our communities and the borough’s natural environment and we will continue to pursue offenders to keep our borough clean and safe for everyone.”

Fly-tipping can be reported to the council at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/flytipping