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Skegness Council Defends Spitting Fine After Viral Leaf Incident Involving 86-Year-Old

The council says officers only intervene after witnessing an offence.

Overview

  • Roy Marsh, 86, received a £250 fixed-penalty notice in February after spitting out a wind-blown leaf in Skegness.
  • The fine was reduced to £150 on appeal and has been paid, according to Marsh and local reports.
  • East Lindsey District Council classifies spitting as littering, with fines set at £250 and reduced if paid promptly.
  • A Facebook post by Marsh’s daughter drew wide attention and prompted complaints, with a Reform councillor reporting hundreds of messages.
  • Council officials say patrols are not targeted at any demographic and that enforcement aims to change behaviour to keep public spaces clean.