Woman caught illegally dumping rubbish on Harford Street in Middlesbrough

Samantha O’Kane was caught on video in April dumping a double mattress in the alley behind her home in Harford Street, Middlesbrough.

When questioned, the 36-year-old admitted to the crime, but could not reveal the identity of a male accomplice who was also caught on camera.

Video surveillance footage of two people throwing away a mattress (Image: MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL)

O’Kane received a fixed penalty notice which she failed to pay. This week (17 September) she appeared before Teesside Magistrates’ Court where she was fined £120 and ordered to pay legal costs of £349.

Following this incident, council leaders continue to urge the public to dispose of their rubbish legally and responsibly, rather than leaving council taxpayers to foot the bill for expensive clean-up work.

In addition, residents are being asked to take responsibility for their own neighborhood and report illegal dumpers as part of an ongoing citywide campaign to eradicate the problem.

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Janet Thompson, Middlesbrough Borough Council’s executive member for public safety, said: “The message that illegal dumping simply doesn’t pay off should really get through now.”

“Not only is it a selfish nuisance to the neighborhood and an insult to law-abiding residents, it can also mean significant financial losses for those responsible and lead to a criminal record.

“This is another great result and we will continue to use all methods at our disposal to stop this threat.”