Second Guilty Verdict In Cemetery Littering Case

A second man, charged with littering at Havelock North Cemetery, has been found guilty and fined in Hastings District Court today.

 

Hastings District Council prosecuted Joshua Corey Burt, 19, and Carson Taylor Joe, 20, in July for dumping garden rubbish at Havelock North cemetery - the first time the Council had prosecuted under the Litter Act.

 

Burt, of Hastings, failed to turn up to court when his co-accused appeared on September 15.

 

At a second hearing today Burt failed to turn up again to face two Justices of the Peace.

 

Burt was fined Burt $750 and ordered he pay $130 court costs, $175 solicitors fees and $81.75 in reparations.

 

Last month Joe was fined $500 and the same costs.

 

Hastings Councillor Norm Speers, whose parents are buried at Havelock North cemetery, says this is a great result.

 

“We hope this will be a deterrent to other people considering dumping in public places. This sends a message that neither Council nor the courts will tolerate the irresponsible and destructive actions of the thoughtless few.”