FIVE men have been prosecuted after admitting their part in a mile-long fly tip in Purfleet.

Cory’s Wharf was the shame of the nation in November when the extent of the fly-tipping was revealed. The clean-up cost Thurrock Council £97,250.

The council brought the prosecution against the men who had their waste dumped on the site. The men appeared at Basildon Magistrates today.

Abdul Mumin, 24, of East Ham, was fined £350 and told to pay £560 in prosecution costs, a £35 victim surcharge, and ordered to pay £250 compensation to the council.

Bryan Kerr, 38, of Herne Hill, was fined £1,440 and ordered to pay £560 in prosecution costs, a £120 victim surcharge, and £500 compensation to the council.

Martin Dansey, 45, of Wood Green, was fined £255, ordered to pay £560 prosecution costs, £26 victim surcharge, and told to pay £500 compensation to the council.

Rakesh Shah, 45, of north London, was fined £575, ordered to pay £560 prosecution costs, a £58 victim surcharge, and told to pay £750 compensation to the council.

Jason Ramen, 39, of Walthamstow, faced the carrying waste charge. He was fined £200, given a £560 prosecution cost, a £20 victim surcharge, and told to pay £750 in compensation to the council.

Adam Coles, 33, of Lewisham, pleaded not guilty and a trial date has been set for August 5.

Fatima Begum, 25, of East Ham, was not in court and will be summonsed again.

Councillor Terry Brookes, in charge of public protection, said: “This sends out a clear message to everyone who thinks they’ve found a short cut to getting rid of their rubbish. Don’t do it.

“Councils like Thurrock are becoming increasingly pressured over finances and having to spend £100,000 to clear up other people’s mess is £100,000 which could be much better targeted.

Council leader John Kent added: “Thurrock’s reputation was dragged through the mud across the nation in November and December.

“Now perhaps people will realise it was not local people doing this and the council has acted, both clearing the mess and prosecuting some of those responsible.”