Francis Wray, (54) from Urney Way, Clady was fined £2,500 at Strabane Magistrate's Court yesterday, after he ignored two warning letters and an enforcement notice to remove the material behind his garage at Frank Wray Motors in Clady.

Wray did not appear in court, however his solicitor told the court that his client pleaded guilty to the charge of unauthorised use of land without planning permission.

The solicitor said that the area where dumping took place was used by members of the public to dispose of building materials and rubble and his client had been unaware of this until the issue was raised by the environmental department.

"I would ask you to give my client maximum credit for his guilty plea and take into consideration that the maximum fine for this offence would be £30,000." he said.

'Taken seriously'

RM Liam McNally said this offence was taken seriously by the environmental department and it took the same view on failure to comply with its legislation.

Mr. McNally imposed a fine of £2,500 and court costs of £75 on Wray.