A PEST control professional has been fined after he was caught illegally dumping chemicals at the side of a road.

Stephen Nice, 48, formerly of Church Street, Theale, Reading, was caught on a hidden surveillance camera pouring away chemicals in Thompkins Lane, Burnham, whilst wearing protective gear.

Footage from the camera was used to trace Nice, who was brought in for an interview with police. Nice explained that the chemical, a disinfectant, is toxic in an aquatic environment so cannot be poured down a drain. He found that he had made too much for his next appointment, so decided to dispose of the excess by dumping it by the side of a road. Over three litres were poured away.

Nice plead guilty to the offence at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court and was fined £666, and made to pay clean-up and prosecution costs of £1,445, in addition to a victim surcharge of £66 - leaving him with £2,177 to pay in total.

Luisa Sullivan, of South Bucks District Council, said: “This was a thoughtless and irresponsible act by a professional in the course of his work, that happened to be spotted by a surveillance officer while reviewing recorded images.

“The case shows that there is a real possibility of being caught for any kind of illegal dumping in Buckinghamshire.”

You can report dumped waste online at http://old.buckscc.gov.uk/fly