Flytipper convicted after SmartWater sting

The 'Rogue Traders' team - and SmartWater

A fly tipper, investigated by BBC One's Rogue Traders TV programme, has been convicted at a Kent Magistrates’ Court. The successful prosecution was built on evidence provided by SmartWater.

Samuel Dighton, 37, from New Ash Green in Kent pleaded guilty to fly tipping and received a £750 fine, plus a £230 clean-up bill, a £500 prosecution bill and a £15 victim surcharge.

After several reports of flytipping in an area of outstanding natural beauty in New Ash Green,  Kent BBC One’s Rogue Traders planned a hi-tech ‘sting’ operation in which Dighton was paid £180 to properly dispose of an assortment of household items and rubbish. Prior to the removal of the items, they were all tagged with SmartWater, the solution which is invisible under normal light but carries a DNA-style 'signature' making the items uniquely identifiable.

The waste was subsequently found later the same day in Hartley Bottom Road, where video and forensic evidence was taken. Following the broadcast of the programme earlier this year, a prosecution was undertaken by Kent County Council in partnership with Sevenoaks District Council using footage from Rogue Traders and the forensic evidence provided by SmartWater.

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