A story like that sounds really crazy. An old man, sitting quietly, ends up being fined for spitting, and not even trash at that, a leaf, practically.
Roy Marsh, an 86-year-old man, visited Lincolnshire, England, earlier this year. He was sitting near a boating lake, enjoying a cool breeze. All of a sudden, the wind picked up and blew a big reed leaf into his mouth. Just panic would be the natural reaction. Well, he started coughing and spat it out.
According to Roy, when he got up to leave, two officers approached him. They told the BBC that Marsh was seen spitting on the ground. Roy attempted to say to them that it was simply a leaf that went into his mouth, but they continued to insist on the matter.
Because he thought it all seemed ridiculous, he called one of the officers a silly boy. He said later that the whole incident was unnecessary and simply too much for such a little bit of nonsense.
Roy was given an original fine of 334 dollars. Can you imagine that, being so old and getting fined for a leaf? When he appealed, the fine was reduced to about 200 dollars, which he paid, all the same, to get it over with.
To me, this seems a bit harsh. I have found myself in situations where dust or a leaf would fly in my mouth while walking, and I would instinctively spit it out. Nobody does so purposely.
This was another point made by Adrian Findley, a local county councillor. He said he has heard numerous complaints of this kind from residents. According to him, common sense should prevail with the enforcement officers in a case like this. When a situation looks like it could have been an accident, people should be allowed to explain themselves or even offer an apology, rather than just being hit with an immediate fine.
He stated that it is clearly going to other levels and that the officers should really show more judgment when issuing fines.
On the other hand, East Lindsey District Council stood firmly by their officers. They told the BBC that officers stop people only when they see them breaking environmental laws. They added that everything is well documented and that these patrols are not targeting any particular group.
Jane Marsh Fitzpatrick, Roy’s daughter, also posted on Facebook. She explained that her father has difficulty walking but still tries to walk around the lake every day. She stated that he inhaled a small leaf that made him choke.
She mentioned that Roy has severe asthma and a serious heart condition. Still, he managed to cough up the leaf and spit it out. She reiterated that it was just a leaf and nothing but.
This makes me feel sad for this guy. Old people are supposed to be given a little leeway at that age; this whole ordeal looks like a large mess out of a small event. You may also be interested in: I Feel Like I Lost My Daughter: Covington Washington Mom Heartbroken After Soccer Game Moment
FAQ
Why was the 86-year-old man fined for littering?
He was fined because officers said they saw him spit on the ground, even though it was just a leaf that blew into his mouth.
Did he actually litter?
No. According to Roy and his family, he only spat out a leaf that accidentally went into his mouth.
Was the fine reduced?
Yes, the fine was reduced after the appeal, but he still had to pay around 200 dollars.
What did the council say about this?
The council said officers only act when they see an offense, and patrols are fair and monitored.
