Ketchup fly-tippers ordered to pay nearly £17,000
A company and its director have been ordered to pay almost £17,000 after a trailer loaded with hundreds of bottles of tomato ketchup was dumped in a Littlehampton car park.
Arun District Council successfully prosecuted Rubbish Cleared Promptly Ltd (company no 11193411) and its director Simon Cole following an incident at Anchor Springs car park in October 2024. The court heard that a trailer containing hundreds of ketchup bottles was abandoned in the car park by the company's operatives.
Having successfully prosecuted the company and its director, sentencing took place at Worthing Magistrates' Court on 22 June 2026. The court ordered Rubbish Cleared Promptly Ltd to pay a total of £13,180.50, comprising an £8,000 fine, £3,180.50 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge.
Mr Cole was ordered to pay £3,785.50, comprising a £432 fine, £3,180.50 in costs and a £173 victim surcharge.
The combined total ordered by the court was £16,966.
Councillor Amanda Worne, Chair of Arun District Council's Environment Committee, said:
“Fly-tipping is a serious environmental crime that blights our communities, damages habitats and wildlife, and creates an eyesore for residents and visitors alike. It also costs taxpayers money to investigate and clear up.
“This case demonstrates our commitment to pursuing those responsible and taking enforcement action where there is sufficient evidence to do so. We hope it acts as a deterrent to anyone considering disposing of waste illegally."
Arun District Council encourages residents to report fly-tipping and to ensure that anyone removing waste on their behalf is properly licensed. For more information, visit www.arun.gov.uk/report-it