A MAN has been fined after appearing in court for refusing to pick his fast food litter in a car park.

Matthew John James Clewley, 31, of Lon Gerylli, Newtown, appeared at Welshpool Magistrates Court on New Year's Eve, charged with leaving litter.

He pleaded guilty to the offence which happened on October 29 in the Shortbridge Street car park, in Newtown.

Kevin Challinor, prosecuting, said: "An off-duty police officer was present in the car park and observed the defendant go in to McDonald's and return to his vehicle with boxes.

"He dropped a fries box and then threw wrappers out of the car window despite a bin only being eight feet away."

The officer asked Clewley to pick up the litter but he refused, even after the officer produced a warrant. Clewley drove off to leave the officer to dispose of the litter.

Robert Hanratty, defending, said Clewely suffers with ADHD and anxiety, and was having a panic attack at the time as he got into the car.

Chair of the magistrates bench Stephen Pembroke gave Clewley a £40 fine and ordered him to pay a £32 victim surcharge.