Graham Dakin, of Old Park Close, Nottingham, was spotted littering by a council official at Shirebrook Market Place.

The officer cautioned Dakin and issued him with a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice, but when the trader failed to pay up within 14 days, the matter was referred to court.

Appearing at North East Derbyshire and Dales Magistrates Court on 23rd July, Dakin was fined £150 and ordered to pay £200 costs under Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Following the hearing, Coun Dennis Kelly, Bolsover District Council's cabinet member for the environment, says the council will continue to crack down on litter bugs.

"Mr Dakin could have avoided all this by firstly, not dropping his cigarette and secondly, paying his initial fine, but it has ended up costing him seven times more," he said.

"There is simply no need to litter our streets and the environment and we will continue to take action against those who flout this law."