A casual flicking of a cigarette butt out of his car window has cost a driver £50.

For the prosecution, Jane Gray told the court Ramsey’s warden saw Dean Teare commit the offence on Parliament Street, under the 1972 Litter Act, during the afternoon of February 10.

Miss Gray told the court Teare was told he was in breach of a bye-law and issued with a £50 fixed penalty notice. Despite being sent a reminder in March, the fixed penalty remained unpaid. She said four attempts were made to make contact with Teare prior to his court appearance. She said the maximum fine was £2,500.

Admitting the offence, Teare, of York Road, Douglas, told the court he had dropped the butt end rather than throwing it from his car window.

Defending Teare, Aalish Hannan said the defendant was approached by a woman who did not identify herself. He offered to pick up the cigarette end but was told it was too late. She said Teare shared a letter box and the summons was the first communication he had received.

’He’s never been in court before. The act is geared to more substantial littering. The approach was slightly heavy-handed,’ she said.

He was fined £50 with £50 costs.