A fly-tipper who dumped TVs, fridges and carpets at a beauty spot has had his lorry confiscated.

David Howkins of Wicklands Avenue, East Saltdean, admitted dumping waste on the highway to Telscombe Village.

At Lewes Crown Court he pleaded guilty to unlawfully depositing lorry loads of waste on two separate occasions.

Howkins was sentenced to 200 hours of community service and had his lorry forfeited and given to Lewes District Council.

The council was also awarded a total of £4,857.23 in costs, which included legal bills and the amount it took to clean up the mess.

Sentencing Howkins, Recorder Humphrey Malins, said: "These were two nasty offences.

"They scarred the countryside and did untold damage to people's views. This was done deliberately and for money over a long period of time."

The judge made it clear Howkins faced prison if he did not comply with the order to surrender his lorry.

Councillor James MacCleary, lead member for community, said: "Howkins is a prolific fly-tipper.

"His actions have cost the local council taxpayers thousands of pounds to investigate and to clear away.

"I am glad the court recognises this and the impact his behaviour has had upon the environment and the local community.

"I hope this also sends a strong message to anyone else contemplating fly-tipping. Lewes District Council will not hesitate in taking tough action in every case."

The successful prosecution by Lewes District Council follows several high-profile cases of local authorities getting tough on flytippers.

Last week Brighton marketing company iCrossing, formally called Spannerworks, was fined almost £1,500 after rubbish was found strewn across a city street.

Representatives from the company, which has its offices in Palace Place, off Castle Square, appeared at Brighton Magistrates Court. The court was told that on March 30 Brighton and Hove City Council enforcement officers were carrying out routine inspections when they found eight large black bags piled up against a wall.

One of the bags had been ripped open and the contents scattered across the street.

Officers searched each bag and found evidence the refuse had come from iCrossing.

The company's chief operating officer, Ray Richards, was interviewed by the council and admitted the rubbish belonged to the company but was unable to explain how it ended up littering Palace Place.

The company pleaded guilty to fly-tipping.

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