A WASTE carrier who tried to hide his identity by using a false name has been fined hundreds of pounds.

For over a year traveller Albert Bowers had been collecting waste in Andover without a licence.

Bowers was finally tracked when Test Valley Borough Council officers received an anonymous tip from a resident who was concerned about his practice.

Having attended the reported address, officers asked Bowers to produce his licence, which he failed to do.

He then told staff he was someone completely different, but the team suspected he had lied and an investigation discovered he was operating illegally.

On August 1 at Basingstoke Magistrates Court the 59-year-old, who has links to Southampton, pleaded guilty to operating without a licence and giving officers a false name and address.

Magistrates fined Bowers £140 and ordered him to pay £450 costs and £30 victim surcharge.

Environmental portfolio holder, Councillor Alison Johnston, said: “This prosecution is down to the hard work and determination of the council’s staff and I’m tremendously grateful. It is so simple for residents to check if the waste carrier they’re using is licensed. If you don’t have a licence, we will find out and are prepared to take you to court.”