A woman from Letchworth has been ordered to pay £550 after dropping a fast-food drinks container from her vehicle.

Samantha Butcher was issued with a fixed penalty notice after leaving the rubbish in Green Lane/Norton Road in May.

After the FPN was ignored, North Herts Council pressed the issue.

On Friday, November 19, at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court, Butcher - of Eastern Way - pleaded guilty via email to dropping the takeaway cup and the magistrates proceeded to sentencing in her absence.

She was ordered to pay a £40 fine, a £34 victim surcharge and £473.76 for the council’s legal costs – a total of £547.76.

Cllr Amy Allen, executive for recycling and waste management, said: “We don’t set out to take people to court, this was a last resort after the fixed penalty notice had been ignored. At court we outlined the offence and her failure to engage.

“Litter is anything from a cigarette butt and chewing gum to a bag of rubbish. It’s antisocial, creates an eyesore and can be dangerous to wildlife. Ultimately it costs you, the taxpayer, for us to clear it up.

"We hope this serves as a warning to everyone to please dispose of your litter safely and responsibly.”

The offence took place on May 3 and was witnessed and captured on a dashcam by a member of the public who reported it to the council.

A FPN was issued on June 27 with reminder letters also being issued.