Karl Smith, of Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty at Mansfield Magistrates Court on 27 January, to two charges of illegally dumping waste.

The 60-year-old was caught by a hidden camera set up the Environment Agency in March last year.

Prosecuting for the Environment Agency, Kiran Cassini, told the court Baulker Lane borders Sherwood Forest and due to its ‘isolated location’ has become a fly-tipping hotspot.

And to fight the agency had launched Operation Maid Marion to catch people dumping waste at the site.

In March last year Smith’s Ford transit lorry was recorded driving into the Sherwood Forest area with a lorry-load of waste, including PVC window frames and timber.

It was then filmed again 30 minutes later leaving the area with no waste on board.

Later the same month Smith’s vehicle was filmed returning to the site carrying a wooden table, PVC window frames, plastic bags and other waste.

Smith refused to cooperate with the Environment Agency and was eventually arrested by Police on 27 May last year.

In mitigation he told the court he was ‘sorry for his actions’ and had taken steps to remove the illegally dumped waste.

As well as having his lorry crushed, he was ordered to pay £200 in costs and given a three year conditional discharge.

Luke Walsh

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