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Big fine for littering biker

An image of a stubbed out cigarette

A biker has been ordered to pay more than £1,400 for dropping a cigarette butt in Plymouth.

Mohammed Baammi, aged 31, of Chaddlewood Avenue in St Judes, was found guilty of littering in his absence at Plymouth Magistrates Court on Monday.

The court heard how in June 2022, an Environmental Enforcement Officer, who was on a routine patrol, witnessed the driver of a fast food delivery motorcycle dismount his bike and discard a cigarette onto the floor.

The officer saw the driver crush the cigarette under his foot before taking a delivery bag from the rear of the motorcycle and walking away.

A check with the DVLA identified Baammi as the registered keeper of the vehicle and he was sent a questionnaire asking for his side of the story.

Baammi replied to say that he had been misidentified but he was reminded of his responsibility to ensure he knows who may be driving or using his motorcycle. A subsequent check of insurance records revealed Baammi to be the only person insured to use the bike.

Baammi was eventually issued with a fixed penalty notice for £150 but despite several reminders, it went unpaid resulting in a summons to court.

The Magistrates fined Baammi £1,100 for the offence. He must also pay £200 costs and a £110 victim surcharge. He will now carry a criminal record.

Councillor Bill Wakeham, Cabinet member for the Environment and Street Scene, said: "There is absolutely no excuse for littering in Plymouth and I'm pleased that the Magistrates have handed out such a hefty fine for the offence.

"Let this be a message to the very small minority who think it's okay to litter; if you are caught you will be punished."