Two people prosecuted for abandoning cars in Cambridge are fined hundreds of pounds as they fail to show up in court

Two people who abandoned cars in Cambridge have been ordered by a court to pay hundreds of pounds.

They were prosecuted by the city council at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court.

Nathan Brett, of Great Fen Road, Soham, was ordered to pay a total of £709 for abandoning an untaxed BMW 3 Series car on Nuttings Road. It was reported to the council as abandoned, dangerously damaged and had several smashed windows.

After it was removed by the council and several letters were sent to Brett, it was reported as stolen to the police.

Brett was issued with a fixed penalty notice as an alternative to prosecution. But when he failed to pay the fine, the case was referred to court and he was prosecuted.

He failed to attend the court, did not enter a plea and was found guilty. He was ordered to pay a fine of £200, as well as £475 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

Pawel Gronkowski, of Anns Road, Cambridge, was ordered by the court to pay a total of £709 for abandoning a Mercedes car left untaxed on Natal Road, Cambridge. It was reported to the council as abandoned and not moved for a period of time.

Gronkowski was issued with a fixed penalty notice but failed to pay so was prosecuted.

Gronkowski also failed to attend the court, did not enter a plea and was found guilty. The court imposed a £200 fine, as well as £475 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

The prosecutions, both heard on November 29, were brought under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978, which makes it a criminal offence to abandon, without lawful authority, a motor vehicle on any land in the open air; or on any other land forming part of a highway.

Cllr Rosy Moore, executive councillor for environment, climate change and biodiversity, said: “There is no reason for abandoning vehicles. It is illegal, an eyesore to neighbourhoods, invites further anti-social behaviour and is an overall nuisance to residents.

“If you no longer want your vehicle there are ways to legally dispose of it. If your car has reached the end of its life, you can get it scrapped at a government authorised treatment facility and if it is still in working condition you could sell it to a licensed dealer.

“The council will not tolerate this kind of behaviour and as seen with these two successful prosecutions, will take the necessary action to make sure that those responsible are held accountable.”