Council bungle as non-smoker fined for dropping cig

INNOCENT MAN WAS 250 MILES AWAY, BUT TAKEN TO COURT

- By NEAL KEELING

A NONSMOKER was given a fine for dropping a cigarette in Manchester city centre - despite being hundreds of miles away at the time.

Steve Jones who lives in Teddington, Greater London, was visiting a funeral director's in Maidstone, Kent, when the offence was supposedly committed in Market Street last year.

Despite his pleas to Manchester council that he was a victim of mistaken identity, he was prosecuted in his absence in a magistrates court.

To add insult to injury, Mr Jones, a teacher, does not smoke.

The city council has now apologised for the debacle and say they are taking action to get the conviction set aside.

Mr Jones was sent a letter demanding £433 for a fine and costs. In July he was sent another letter by the council.