A FLYTIPPER who dumped rubbish at a popular rambling spot has been ordered to pay a total of £825 after he twice failed to attend court.

Michael Riley, 24, was spotted throwing dozens of items of household waste from a bridge at the M66 in Edenfield in August 2012.

Riley, who ignored correspondence from Rossendale Council and the courts, handed himself in earlier this month when a warrant for his arrest was issued.

He surrendered himself at Burnley police station on October 4 and pleaded guilty at Burnley Magistrates’ Court that afternoon to the tipping of controlled waste.

Rossendale Council leader, Alyson Barnes said the successful prosecution was the result of a ‘long and detailed investigation’.

Coun Barnes said: “We thank the member of the public who reported this incident.

“The council takes flytipping extremely seriously, and we are determined to catch those responsible.

“This case shows that even if the perpetrators of flytipping refuse to cooperate with our enquiries we will pursue them no matter how long it takes.

“This case should also act as a reminder to residents that they should always check that anybody taking away their waste is a registered waste carrier, otherwise their waste could end up anywhere as it did in this case, and the householder could be prosecuted.”

Riley, from Radcliffe, had originally been asked to attend a taped interview at the council. After failing to turn up for the interview or respond to any letters, the council went ahead with a prosecution.

He was fined £250 and ordered to pay £575 costs.