A fly-tipper has been ordered to pay more than £25,000 after he dumped rubbish four times in a month in the same road.
Hertsmere Borough Council says the fine given to Tavengwa Mativavarira is the largest in its history.
Mativavarira, of Bedford Avenue, High Barnet, dumped waste on four occasions in July last year in Galley Lane on the Hertsmere and Barnet border.
The flytips included a mattress, chairs, bed base, wood, building waste, a toilet, sink, carpet, cardboard and general mixed waste.
The council says its officers collected evidence from the scene that led them to Mativavarira’s address.
At St Albans Magistrates Court on May 25, Mativavarira pleaded guilty to four charges of flytipping and 12 counts of duty of care offences.
He was ordered to pay £23,920 in fines, as well as £1,480 to Hertsmere Borough Council to cover costs and a £190 victim surcharge.
Cllr Seamus Quilty, who holds environmental responsibilities at the council, said: “I am really pleased with the outcome of this court hearing, the largest of its kind for Hertsmere.
“My thanks go to the environmental health team for their excellent work in stopping this offender from continuing to leave dangerous building waste in public areas and our legal team for bringing a successful prosecution.”
Cllr Quilty added this case “sends a clear message” to those willing to harm the environment and “blight the countryside”.
He said: “Flytipping wastes our limited public resources, blights our countryside and urban public spaces and, in some cases, the clearance costs and inconvenience to private landowners.
“With so many great recycling centres and household tips around there is no excuse for it. This case shows how you might be able to run, but you won’t be able to hide forever."
Harry Tuck, environmental crime officer, added: “This was an exceptional case in that there was a distinct pattern of repeat offending in such a short period of time. The fine imposed by the courts on this occasion clearly shows that flytipping will not be tolerated in Hertsmere.
“We will continue to pursue those committing waste offences within our borough and I urge the public to report any incidents they witness.”
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