Oldham Council has successfully prosecuted a man who allowed burning to take place on land he owned – polluting the air for local residents.
Environmental Health officers launched an investigation following reports of fires on Sumner Street, Shaw.
Evidence was collected and was connected to Gary Curley, 52.
He was served with a legal notice to stop burning waste.
However, this was ignored on two occasions so the council started legal proceedings against Mr. Curley.
The former Sumner Street resident was found guilty of two offences under S48 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014. He failed to appear in court.
He was fined £1,100 for the first offence and £600 for the second offence and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £170 and £596 costs.
Councillor Jean Stretton, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Dirty smoke from illegal fires is bad for residents’ health and no one should have to breathe it in.
“Fires like the ones allowed by Mr. Curley are also anti-social and dangerous because they can easily get out of control and cause injuries or damage property.”