Mark Cottom appeared for a local council in a matter listed for hearing in the Local Court relating to environmental offences at a building site which ultimately resulted in sediment running from the site and into the stormwater drainage system in the street. The proceedings had been commenced as a result of the defendant (a building company) electing to have three penalty notices totalling $4,500 dealt with by the Court. After a hearing on the evidence the presiding Magistrate agreed that each of the three offences charged had been committed by the defendant. This resulted in fines totalling $30,000 and costs being ordered in favour of the council in the sum of $4,732.