A WOMAN has been ordered to pay more than £600 after being prosecuted for littering.

Basildon Council took Claire Amy Mutten, 37, of Hermitage Drive, Laindon, to court after she was spotted dropping a cigarette butt outside the Westgate Centre, in Basildon town centre.

Basildon Magistrates Court found her guilty of littering in a public place, and ordered her to pay a £200 fine, £403 in legal costs, and a £20 victim surcharge.

Mutten was given the opportunity to pay a £75 fine, which was initially discounted to £50, but was prosecuted after failing to do so.

The offence falls under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Terri Sargent, Basildon Council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “Keeping our streets clean is a key priority for Basildon Council. We have made a pledge to our residents to get the basics right and although prosecution is a last resort we would like all residents to do their upmost to dispose of litter thoughtfully."