Cherwell District Council enforcement officers witnessed Daniel Wills, of Caernarvon Way, Banbury, throw a napkin onto the High Street after eating a hotdog in February 2008.

When Wills made no attempt to pick up his litter officers approached and told him he would be reported for littering.

On being issued with a fixed penalty Wills was abusive towards the officers, before taking the notice, ripping it up and throwing it on the ground, saying, "see you in court."

Wills chose to ignore a copy of the notice which was sent to his home and subsequent reminders, and was eventually summonsed to attend Banbury magistrates court yesterday (Thursday).

He failed to turn up and was found guilty in his absence. When issuing the £150 fine and £100 costs Banbury Magistrates' Court made particular reference to Wills's abusive behaviour and his tearing up the notice, which was recorded as a second littering offence.

Cllr George Reynolds, portfolio holder for community, health and environment, said: "Cherwell District Council takes great pride in keeping our streets clean and will take appropriate action to make sure they stay that way.

"We've increased the number of bins on the streets and the number of cleaning patrols. We're fortunate that most residents are prepared to do their bit to keep Cherwell tidy and use the bins provided.

"We're not prepared to stand by and watch careless individuals with no pride spoil the area for the rest, as this case demonstrates."

Wills has 21 days to appeal the magistrate's decision.