Man fined £250 for spitting out leaf that ‘blew in his mouth’

11 Dec 2025 • 9:06 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • An 86-year-old man, Roy Marsh, was fined £150 after spitting out a leaf that blew into his mouth in Skegness.
  • Enforcement officers from East Lindsey District Council deemed the act of spitting the leaf as littering, initially issuing a £250 fine which was later reduced on appeal.
  • Mr Marsh criticised the officers' actions as 'unnecessary' and 'out of proportion', explaining he was simply removing a reed that had blown into his mouth.
  • County councillor Adrian Findley reported receiving numerous complaints about similar 'heavy-handed' incidents by enforcement officers in the area.
  • East Lindsey District Council stated that officers only approach individuals committing environmental crime offences, including spitting, and that their practices are monitored for compliance and non-discrimination.

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