A Liverpool-based tyre retailer has been given a one-year conditional discharge and fined £1399 for illegal fly-tipping after a year-long investigation by the Environment Agency, police and rival tyre outlets.

Jonathan Roberts, who traded as Anfield Tyres, pleaded guilty to six offences of dumping tyres outside Budget Depot in Ormskirk after a CCTV camera recorded five separate incidents.

Roberts admitted he has dumped around 300 tyres, but Budget estimated more than double that number had been fly-tipped over the preceding 12 months. The court also heard that National Tyres and Autocare in Moorgate also suffered fly-tipping incidents, thought to be the work of Roberts.

Fran Lowe, Environment Agency tyre campaign manager, believes the case sends out a strong warning to anyone tempted to break the law. “We have seen an increase in retailers and garages coming forward with information,” he says.