Littering Prosecution
Allerdale Borough Council has prosecuted a
Keswick man today, 12 December 2011, for littering in a Keswick
Park.
Magistrates heard how, on 26 July 2011, a
Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) was on patrol in Lower Fitz
Park, Keswick, when she noticed Gareth Sowden, 23, of Station
Avenue, Keswick, and another man sat on the park benches with a box
containing cans of beer. The PCSO noticed they had been drinking
and advised the two men that they could not drink in the Park as it
was a designated non drinking area.
Mr Sowden replied to this in a mocking manner
and said that he was not “going anywhere” and the PCSO advised that
the alcohol would have to be confiscated. Following a discussion
between the PCSO and Mr Sowden, Mr Sowden discarded an empty beer
can and then walked off. The PCSO issued Mr Sowden with a fixed
penalty which has not been paid, despite a reminder letter being
sent.
Mr Sowden pleaded not guilty at court. However
the Magistrates found him guilty of littering and Mr Sowden was
fined £75 and ordered to pay £100 costs and a victim surcharge of
£15.