A Nottingham resident has been given a curfew for three months after being found guilty of two counts of threatening behaviour after being caught dropping litter.

Matthew Wingfield of Middle Furlong Gardens, The Meadows, Nottingham, was caught dropping litter eight times by Nottingham City Council’s Community Officers between the periods of 22 February 2008 and 3 June 2008. Mr Wingfield was abusive towards the officers and also threatened to assault the officers. This resulted in him also being charged with two counts of threatening behaviour.

Mr Wingfield pleaded guilty to the counts at the Nottingham Magistrates Court on 13 October 2008 and was given a Community Order for twelve months with supervision element for twelve months and was also served with a curfew to stay indoors for three months from 9.00 pm to 7.00 am.

The magistrates also asked that Mr Wingfield meet with a Positive Action Learning Support Team in order to address the need for him to gain qualifications and skills. There was no separate penalty in relation to the littering offences and he was also ordered to pay a contribution of £70 towards costs. A Collection Order was also made.

Cllr Katrina Bull, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change at Nottingham City Council, said: “It is unfortunate that we had to go down this route but we are very pleased with the outcome of the hearing. This was the first time that a defendant had been prosecuted for matters of public order in conjunction with littering offences and had pleaded guilty on the first occasion to these matters.

“Litter on our streets is very unsightly and is very costly for the taxpayers to clean up. Nottingham City Council wants to send a message that it will not tolerate unnecessary littering or abuse behaviour to members of staff. Those members of the public who continue to flout these rules and are caught will find themselves with an on the spot fine or worse being taken to court.”