Two People Prosecuted for Refusing to Pay Littering Fines in Cornwall

Two people who ignored Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for littering have ended up in court, where they were ordered to pay thousands of pounds in fines and costs.

Truro Magistrates’ Court Hearings

The cases were due to be heard at Truro Magistrates’ Court on 17th September, but neither offender attended. Both were found guilty in their absence.

Household Rubbish in St Austell

Darren Truscott, of Trelavour Road, St Dennis, was prosecuted after leaving five bags of household rubbish in Goonvean, St Austell, in February 2025.

He was issued with an FPN for the offence, which he failed to pay. The case was then taken to court where he was fined £250 and ordered to pay a £100 victim surcharge.

In addition, he was told to cover Cornwall Council’s court costs of £1,336.

Parking Charge Notice Thrown in Bodmin

Stephen Smith, of Dabryn Way, St Stephens, was found guilty of littering a Parking Charge Notice (PCN).

In January 2025, he threw the notice out of a car window towards a civil enforcement officer in Fore Street, Bodmin.

Like Darren, Stephen was issued an FPN, which he refused to pay. The court then imposed a £660 fine, a £264 victim surcharge and awarded Cornwall Council costs of £1,425.

Council Response

Councillor Thalia Marrington, Cabinet member responsible for Community Safety and Public Protection at Cornwall Council, said:

“In both of these cases the individuals were offered the chance to settle the matter by paying a Fixed Penalty Notice. They refused to do this and will therefore have to pay considerably more.

“There is never any excuse for littering and when we can trace those responsible, we will take action.

“As well as public CCTV cameras, more and more people now have doorbell and home security cameras that capture this type of offence.

“I urge anyone with such footage to report it to us so we can investigate.”

How to Report Littering

If you have evidence of someone littering, you can report it to Cornwall Council’s Community Protection and Enforcement Team via their website: Cornwall Council – Report Littering

📷Credit: Cornwall Council