A man convicted for illegally dumping building waste has been given a suspended prison sentence and will have his vehicle crushed.

Martin Ward, of Shelbourne Road, Tottenham, was arrested in June on suspicion of fly-tipping, following a report about a large amount of building materials being dumped in Folly Lane, Walthamstow.

Waltham Forest council’s neighbourhoods officers were able to track the waste back to a property in Haringey.

In a joint operation with the police Mr Ward was arrested and had his vehicle seized.

In a hearing at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (October 1) the 44-year-old was given a six-week prison sentence, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to pay £100 prosecution costs.

His vehicle was forfeited and will now be crushed, according to the council.

“This is a satisfying result and serves as an example of how seriously we take fly-tipping in this borough”, said cabinet member for environment Cllr Clyde Loakes,

“Clearing up fly-tipping costs the council – and by extension the residents of Waltham Forest - £1.5million a year.

“We will continue to use the full extent of the law to punish anyone caught in the act. If any residents witness fly-tipping taking place they should report it to us so we can investigate and take necessary action.”

The council added they are already putting to use new legislation that makes it easier for local authorities to seize vehicles suspected of being involved in fly-tipping.