25/09/2013

Court Upholds Spitting Fines

Thames Magistrates' Court has upheld fines imposed on two men for spitting in the street, in what is believed to be the first case of its type to pass through the courts.

Waltham Forest Council in north-east London issued a fine of £80 each to Khasheem Kiah Thomas, from Hackney, and Zilvinus Vitkas, from Ilford, for spitting.

The two men refused to pay the fines and decided to challenge the policy.

However, Thames Magistrates' Court upheld the decision.

It is understood that Waltham Forest Council are the first to successfully prosecute anyone for spitting.

In addition to the fines, the men were also ordered to pay £120 costs to the council and a £20 victim surcharge.

Waltham Forest council have issued 25 such fines since the beginning of the year.

(MH/JP)

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