A bungling fly-tipper man has been fined £7,000 after being caught dumping huge piles of waste - in front of a CCTV camera and a large 'no fly-tipping sign.'

Billy Prince, 34, was filmed using a works van with his employers name on the side dumping destroyed materials including ripped flooring and old office chairs.

CCTV showed him completely emptying his vehicle, which was clearly owned by his employer, on to the site.

Prince is said to be "very remorseful" of his actions, having lost his job as a result.

He was prosecuted by the Environment Agency after he admitted the offence at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Prince, of Barking, London, pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity for dumping the waste on a compound owned by Thurrock council, in Stanford-le-Hope.

Lesley Robertson, the Environment Agency enforcement team leader, said: "A community order or custody, as well as a financial penalty, could have been imposed.

"As this was a single offence the penalty was reduced and the magistrates felt a financial penalty which totalled more than £7,000, was appropriate.

"This shows that even with a single fly tip the penalties are very high."

Roy Jones, councillor for Stanford East, also celebrated the work of the council in tackling an "ongoing issue."

He said: "This is ongoing and it cost the council a lot of money.

"If we can catch the culprits and prosecute them that is a bonus.

"People visiting the borough see the state of some of our roads, and this is happening all the time.

"There are some measures we can put in to stop people dumping we know get used all the time but we cannot cover everywhere.

"Thurrock Council are actively trying and the environment team do work very hard."

Prince was fined £2,000, ordered to pay compensation to Thurrock Council to the value of £3,970, costs of £1,105 , and a victim surcharge of £120.