A WYE Valley has been prosecuted for littering following a dramatic altercation outside a pub, thanks to footage from a civil enforcement officer’s bodycam.

Hereford Magistrates Court was told that the ‘bizarre incident’ occurred on April 5 when a Herefordshire Council civil enforcement officer issued a parking charge notice to a vehicle parked on Ross-on-Wye’s Gloucester Road.

The owner of the vehicle, Warren Alex Laszlo, 41, emerged from a nearby pub, shouted at the officer, before leaping onto the car bonnet, dramatically sprawling himself across it, and throwing the penalty notice to the ground before driving off.

The entire encounter was captured on the officer’s body-worn camera, providing clear evidence for the case.

Laszlo, of Three Crosses Road, was found guilty in his absence of littering. He was fined £220, ordered to pay £300 in court costs, and handed an £88 mandatory surcharge, totalling £608.

Charles Yarnold, Herefordshire Council’s head of regulation and technical services, said that by refusing to co-operate with the investigation, Laszlo could not be offered a fixed penalty notice, leaving the local authority with no choice but to prosecute.

Mr Yarnold said: “This case highlights the consequences of unacceptable behaviour. Littering, no matter the circumstances, is a criminal offense, and our teams are committed to ensuring Herefordshire remains clean and safe.

“Body-worn cameras are proving to be invaluable in protecting our officers and securing evidence to support prosecutions like this.”

The use of body worn cameras helps to ensure the safety of by traffic wardens, by acting as a visual deterrent against abusive and violent behaviour.

● Anyone caught littering can face a Fixed Penalty Charge of up to £140. If prosecuted, fines can rise to as much as £2,500.

Herefordshire Council’s community protection team will investigate littering which is reported by calling 01432 261761 or online at the council’s website.