Carlisle City Council is reminding people to attend Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) interviews at the council or face a hefty fine and penalty if the case is dealt with their absence.
The call comes following a court case on Wednesday 5 June at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court when Richard Harris of Chatsworth Square, Carlisle was given a total penalty of £474.22.
On the 30th January 2019, a section 108 notice was served on Mr Harris, requesting him to attend a PACE interview to enable enforcement officers to investigate a complaint of fly-tipping that had occurred in the lane of Chatsworth Square, Carlisle in December 2018, despite numerous attempts to engage with Mr Harris, he failed to engage with the City Council.
Mr Harris failed to make an appearance at the Magistrates’ hearing and the matter was dealt with in his absence. Having outlined the facts of the case, and presenting the evidence, the bench found the matter to be proved.
The bench agreed to award our costs of £224.22, imposed a fine of £220 and Victim Surcharge of £30; total penalty £474.22
Carlisle City Council spokesperson said: “It is important that people attend interviews when requested as this not only assists the enforcement team but enables us to take the appropriate action against offenders where possible. This case again highlights the importance of the action taken against those who fail to engage with us.”
This prosecution was brought under the Environment Act 1995, Section 110.