A Cotswold lorry driver has been ordered to pay more than £1,400 after furniture and household rubbish was set alight at a beauty spot.

Daniel Murphy, 27, of Kingsmeadow, Bourton on the Water, appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court last Friday (June 18). He pleaded guilty to using a vehicle in a fly tip.

Magistrates imposed a fine of £800, a victim surcharge of £80 and costs of £550.50. A total to pay of £1,430.50.

The case relates to two incidents in November last year.

On November 9 someone reported to Vale of White Horse District Council that furniture including foam cushions were being burned in the car park of Scutchamer Knob, East Hendred near The Ridgeway in Oxfordshire.

Ten days later on November 19, a sofa was unloaded from a van at the same spot and was reported to the council. The registration number of the van used led the investigation to Mr Murphy.

Cllr Catherine Webber, Vale of White Horse District Council cabinet member for the climate emergency and environment said: “Dumping rubbish is a blight on our countryside and a danger to our wildlife. Burning rubbish is dangerous as it pollutes the air and could easily start serious wildfires.

"We hope this prosecution will be a reminder of the consequences of such actions and will act as a deterrent to others.”