John Beason, 54, was spotted dumping a cigarette end on the ground by a neighbourhood warden.

Beason, whose address was listed in court as being Albert Guest House, Shotton Colliery, failed to attend court to answer the charge of littering in Peterlee town centre.

He was found guilty in his absence and fined £175, ordered to pay costs of £140 and a £15 victim surcharge.

Council chiefs say they will not tolerate people littering in public.

The environmental enforcement manager with Durham County Council, Dave Riseley, said: "The council is working hard to improve the look of the district by reducing the amount of waste littering our streets and we are therefore pleased with the court's ruling.

"I hope these prosecution remind smokers not to treat our streets as ashtrays.

"Cigarettes are litter and if our street wardens see anyone dropping butts or any other litter they will be fined."