Accused of dropping a cigarette butt

[ukdeveloper]

Last weekend me and three others were on our way to a theatre show and were standing outside a train station. We were having a cigarette, but I cannot remember if, at the time I actually was (I may have had one earlier).

 

As we entered the station, we were approached by local authority "officers" who pulled me (and one other from my party) aside and accused us of dropping and leaving our cigarette butts on the ground. As I cannot actually remember having a cigarette at the time I therefore cannot remember committing this offence.

 

When being questioned I said very little, only identifying my name (as i didnt have ID on me) and this was verified. My wife explained that as we were running late we didnt have time to hang around and one of the officers said I would receive a Fixed Penalty Notice in the post.

 

I did.

 

I contacted the local authority and asked for a copy of any video/audio recording of me either admitting to the offence or showing me commit the offence. I have been told that there is NO video evidence and I said "very little" on the tape and my wife did most of the talking. No change there then.

 

The man on the telephone said if it went to court, it would boil down to "My Officers word against yours, and you didnt deny it", which is true but I didnt admit it either.

 

Im worried now as I really cannot afford to get a criminal record, as I would lose my job instantly, yet I feel I should not be made to pay for something which I honestly dont think I did. The other girl with me DID drop her cigarette and is happy to pay the fine.

 

Any advice?

 

UKD

 

Also , really sorry if this is posted on the wrong forum, mods please feel free to move it if necessary.

[citizenB]

I will try and find some advice for you

[ukdeveloper]

Thank you so much.

[Conniff]

Hmm, hard one but I would think in the absence of a denial that they would take the side of the officer, so it would be cheaper to pay up now and not let it go to court.

 

 

I could be wrong here Isn't this the same as parking tickets, bailiffs ordered to collect without any court required?

[rebel11]

Hi uk

 

I've just found Newham's site as that's the one that came up, maybe there's some useful info there, if your in a rush, maybe you felt it unsafe to do some or all the things they suggest you do, so you chose the easiest and safest methods of disposing of your butt's, maybe not the wisest, but you were against time to get somewhere.

 

http://www.newham.gov.uk/YourEnvironment/FixedPenaltyNoticesFAQs.htm?Printable=true#10

[citizenB]

I would advise you swap over to e ciggies You can "smoke" wherever you want and you can simply pop it in your pocket or handbag when you have had your puffs

 

Darn sight cheaper both in cost of the ciggies and no fines