A woman convicted of illegally dropping an envelope is now hundreds of pounds out of pocket.

Samantha Bell, of Gilberti Place, Hartlepool, was prosecuted by Hartlepool Borough Council under the Environmental Protection Act after “she threw down, dropped or otherwise deposited” the envelope on the ground in Gilberti Place and left it there on April 8 of last year.

Bell, who was not present in court, was convicted in her absence and ordered to pay a £220 fine, £88 victim surcharge and £400 costs.

Teesside magistrates stressed that the £708 balance must be paid by August 25.

A woman who illegally dropped an envelope in Gilberti Place, Hartlepool, faces a £700-plus court bill.

placeholder image — A woman who illegally dropped an envelope in Gilberti Place, Hartlepool, faces a £700-plus court bill.

In a separate Hartlepool Borough Council prosecution heard by the court, Jessica Malone, of Cundall Place, Hartlepool, admitted illegally dumping up to 20 black bags containing waste in a back lane in November of last year and was ordered to pay an £80 fine, £32 victim surcharge and £150 costs by August 25.