AN aspiring boxer broke down in court when he was jailed for a string of fly-tipping offences in villages across south Wiltshire on Tuesday.

Jamie Kerley, 27, pleaded guilty at Salisbury Magistrates Court to permitting the deposit of controlled/extractive waste.

Kerley had dumped items including blinds, paint rollers, cardboard and bottles in Laverstock, Downton, Petersfinger, and Barford St Martin between November 25, 2015, and January 26, 2016.

One of the fly-tipping locations, Barford Lane, Downton, saw the waste strewn over a large area and tipped down the side of a ravine.

Defending, Bob Scott told the court that Kerley realised the effect his actions had on the population and the environment.

He added that his client had a number of boxing fights coming up, and wanted to become a professional.

Judge Anthony Callaway said although there were no dangerous chemicals, they were still major incidents of fly tipping.

Kerley, of Parsonage Green, Harnham, was sentenced to three months in prison.

The investigating enforcement officer Patrick Morse said it was one "of the most protracted and involved cases" he had seen, and the council would increase proactive work in catching offenders.

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for highways Philip Whitehead said that the sentencing was an excellent result for council enforcement officers and reflected on their hard work.

He said: "It sends a very strong message to would be fly-tippers that we will investigate thoroughly and prosecute, punishing those who think it is acceptable to fly-tip waste in Wiltshire.

"This is a clear warning, fly-tip and you can go to prison."

To report any incidents of fly-tipping download the MyWiltshire App, or report online.