A FLY-tipper who targeted an area in Test Valley has been jailed for three months.

Jamie Kerley, from Salisbury, pleaded guilty to eight counts of fly-tipping at Salisbury Magistrates Court on Tuesday 7 February.

The aspiring boxer, 27, mainly targeted areas around Salisbury, but also dumped household waste in a forest near the Test Valley village of Ampfield.

Test Valley Borough Council immediately cleared the waste from the area and provided evidence to support Wiltshire Council in bringing a successful prosecution.

Defending Kerley, Bob Scott told the court that the amateur boxer realised the effect his actions had on the population and the environment.

He added that his client had a number of boxing fights coming up, and wanted to become a professional.

Judge Anthony Callaway said although there were no dangerous chemicals, they were still major incidents of fly tipping.

Kerley, of Parsonage Green, Harnham, was sentenced to three months in prison.

Reacting to the sentence, environmental portfolio holder, councillor Graham Stallard, said: “I’m very pleased to hear the result of the prosecution.

"The result was thanks to a joint approach, where neighbouring authorities came together to provide evidence associated with the various incidents.

"This approach has proven to be very effective, and Test Valley Borough Council is working closely with Hampshire County Council to implement further joint-working and collaborative approaches to fly-tipping enforcement.

“Mr Kerley advertised his waste collection service, GW Clearance and Jays Metal Collection, on social media, so I’d like to take this opportunity to remind people that if they are using a contractor, to check that they have an appropriate waste carrier’s licence.”

Test Valley residents can report incidents of fly-tipping via the My Test Valley smartphone app, which is available on Windows, Google and Apple phones.

For more information, visit www.testvalley.gov.uk/mytestvalley.