Why was Ray Weatherburn fined by Nottingham council?

Ray Weatherburn was fined by Nottingham council for an alleged littering offense involving a cigarette butt, despite being out of the country at the time.

What evidence did Ray Weatherburn provide to contest the fine?

Mr. Weatherburn provided passport stamps and petrol receipts from his trip to Normandy to prove he was not in Nottingham when the offense occurred.

Could Ray Weatherburn's car plates have been cloned?

Yes, Mr. Weatherburn was reportedly told by police that his car plates may have been cloned, leading to the incorrect fine.

Home / Crime and Justice / Teacher Fined While Abroad: Littering Accusation Sparks Outrage

Teacher Fined While Abroad: Littering Accusation Sparks Outrage

1 Jan

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Summary

Retired teacher received £100 fine for littering while in Normandy.
The fine was issued by Nottingham council for an alleged offense on August 13.
The teacher suspects his car's license plates were cloned by another individual.

Teacher Fined While Abroad: Littering Accusation Sparks Outrage

A retired teacher, Ray Weatherburn, faced a £100 littering fine from Nottingham city council, despite being 440 miles away in Normandy, France, on August 13. Mr. Weatherburn, a 76-year-old former athlete residing in Berwick-upon-Tweed, was enjoying breakfast abroad when the accusation was made. Nottingham council issued the penalty notice for his silver Vauxhall Corsa, erroneously linking him to a cigarette butt incident.

Further correspondence from the council intensified Mr. Weatherburn's concern, with one letter threatening court action. He provided evidence, including passport stamps and petrol receipts, to prove his absence. Adding to the confusion, the initial fine was addressed to an unfamiliar name. Mr. Weatherburn, who has never smoked, suspects his car's license plates might have been cloned, a possibility he was reportedly told by police.