AN Amman Valley man has been ordered to pay £285 for littering after he was spotted leaving an empty drinks can on an Ammanford car park wall.

Nigel Kenneth Jones, of Maes y Glyn, Lower Brynaman, was seen leaving the can on a wall at Ammanford's Job Centre.

Carmarthen Magistrates were told that on June 11, environmental enforcement officers were on duty when they saw Jones dumping the can and walking away.

The 36-year-old admitted the offence when he was confronted by the officers, and was issued with a fixed penalty notice.

However, Jones failed to pay the fine and was summonsed to appear in court.

When he failed to attend the hearing he was convicted in his absence.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board member responsible for Environmental and Public Protection Councillor Jim Jones said: “There is no excuse for littering our streets, there are a number of bins in all of the town centres.

"However, if there are no bins immediately available then keep your rubbish with you until you are near one.

“I hope this latest court case will act as a warning to others that this type of anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Jones was fined £135 ordered to pay court costs of £130 and a victim surcharge of £20.