An eyewitness heard a ‘large bang’ against their window as the carpet was thrown from a flat at Lyndhurst Court, Birmingham New Road, onto land below.

Minutes later, a man and a woman arrived to pick up the carpet and gripper rods and move them to another spot in the grounds, leaving the pile under a tree.

Photographs and footage of the items being moved were supplied to the council by the witness. Thanks to the information and evidence received, environmental crime officers were able to investigate the incident, which happened on 16 June last year.

After identifying Rebecca Balentine as the occupant of the Lyndhurst Court property, officers issued a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). She told officers she was unable to pay in full and an extension was agreed.

However, when no payment was received, officers advised Balentine that she would need to attend a PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence) interview.

Balentine admitted dumping the carpet and rods but said she had put them there for the man seen in the CCTV to move. However, this was not done. A further extension was offered to pay the fine, but no payment was received.

At Dudley Magistrates Court on 25 June, Balentine pleaded guilty to one charge of depositing controlled waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Magistrates imposed a fine of £120, a victim surcharge of £48 and ordered her to pay a contribution towards costs of £249.72. The costs awarded to the council will be reinvested back into its environmental crime service.

The council uses a variety of methods to tackle fly tipping, including its ongoing Shop a Tipper scheme, CCTV cameras and fines.

An additional £257,146 has also been invested in the service this year to fund extra enforcement staff and six more security cameras to be placed at known hot spots across the city.

Councillor Qaiser Azeem, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: "There is no excuse for dumping waste and blighting the communities where people live. Residents have every right to expect clean, safe and well-maintained neighbourhoods.

"This successful prosecution sends a clear message that environmental crime will not be tolerated. Our officers work hard to investigate offences such as this, and we will continue to take firm action against those who ignore their responsibilities.

"I would like to thank residents who report incidents and provide information to assist our investigations. Their support is invaluable in helping us bring offenders to justice.

"Anyone who fly-tips should be aware that it is a criminal offence and that the council will take enforcement action, including prosecution, wherever possible."

The recent court action supports ongoing work under the council’s Shop a Tipper campaign, where anyone suspected of dumping rubbish will now have their images shared online to appeal for information to help identify them.

If the information provided leads to successful identification, and Fixed Penalty Notices are issued and paid or a prosecution takes place, residents receive a £100 Enjoy Wolverhampton Gift Card.

Residents can contact 01902 552700 with information or view images and report online at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/fly-tipping

Residents are reminded that waste can be disposed of free of charge at our Household Waste and Recycling Centres (tips) which are open 7 days a week from 8am – 4pm. Centres are at Anchor Lane, Lanesfield, Bilston and Shaw Road, Wolverhampton.

A bulky item collection service to dispose of big unwanted items is also available, find out more at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/book-bulky-item-collection