A registered rubbish removal company that was paid to remove waste and deposit it lawfully has been convicted of dumping waste illegally in Queensbury.

Christopher Stokes, owner of PJ Rubbish Removals, admitted to fly-tipping and was fined £1,180 which must be paid in six months or he’ll be jailed for a week.

Harrow Crown Court head the 42-year-old, of Billsby Lodge, Wembley, dumped waste on Essoldo Way, which he had paid £280 to dispose of legally by letting agency, Home-Share Group in February 2013.

However a resident had spotted Stokes in action and called the police who alerted the council.

Stokes, who is registered with the Environmental Agency, was traced and arrested.

Cllr George Crane, Brent Council’s lead member for environment, said: “Mr Stokes’ behaviour is despicable. Taking money from a client, who is led to believe he is getting rid of their waste lawfully and then dumping it in the streets of Brent.

“Fly-tipping is extremely anti-social behaviour: it’s unsightly and not fair on other residents who get rid of their waste responsibly.

“We take fly-tipping offences very seriously in Brent and encourage anyone who sees items dumped in the streets to email the council on environmentandprotection @brent.gov.uk so we can investigate.

“I would like to commend and thank the Brent resident who alerted us and the police to this criminal activity. It would have been very easy to walk away from seeing this and do nothing, but this person helped the authorities and also showed a care for their local neighbourhood.”