A motor mechanic has won his appeal in Dublin Circuit Court against a conviction for litter pollution. Mr Joseph Farrell moved three years ago from his premises on Ranelagh Road, Dublin. Junk mail continued to be delivered in his name to his old business ad dress. However, someone dumped it in the Dublin mountains.
A litter warden from South Dublin County Council, responsible for administering the Litter Pollution Act of 1997, found the junk mail at one of the city's most scenic hinterlands and prosecuted Mr Farrell at his old address.
He knew nothing of the prosecution and was fined £500. Some days later a customer of 20 years rang to say she was unaware Mr Farrell was a "litter lout" and took her business elsewhere. This followed a newspaper headline: "Businessman's £500 tip". Mr Farrell, now of Edmonds town Road, Rathfarnham, appealed his conviction and won, but must £800 in legal costs.