An accountancy firm was slapped with a record fine after it was caught illegally dumping rubbish near its offices.

Ommegas Services Ltd, based in Kingsbury, was forced to pay £35,000 after being found guilty of repeatedly fly-tipping.

It is the largest penalty for this type of offence handed out in Brent, and its council said it serves as a “stern warning” to those who seek to get away with it.

Environment officers had issued the business with several warnings relating to waste disposal and gave out a £400 fixed penalty notice following an investigation.

After sifting through various pieces of shredded paper, council inspectors were able to trace the crime back to the accountants.

Dennis Lewis, enviro-crime enforcement manager at Brent Council, said: “The outcome of this case clearly demonstrates just how utterly unacceptable illegally dumping rubbish is in Brent and should serve as a stern warning to anyone who might consider doing the same.

“We will always pursue all avenues to hold the culprits to account.

“Most residents and business owners in the borough love where they live and work, but to the small minority that continue to blight our environment, let me tell you – we aren't going to stop until illegal rubbish dumping is a thing of the past in Brent.

“Unless you want to be hit with a fine or criminal record, you might want to think twice.”

Ommegas denied the offences but was ordered to pay a total of £36,572.50, including £1,400 in costs and a £170 victim surcharge.