Roy Marsh, 86, received a $334.50 littering fine in Lincolnshire, England, after enforcement officers saw him spit out a reed that blew into his mouth during strong winds. “As I was sitting there, a gale blew a big reed into my mouth,” Marsh told the BBC. “I spat it out, and just as I got up to walk away, two [enforcement officers] came up to me.” The officers accused him of spitting on the ground, prompting Marsh to call one a “silly boy.” “It was all unnecessary and all out of proportion,” Marsh said. The fine was later reduced to $200.70 on appeal, which he paid. His daughter Jane Marsh Fitzpatrick explained her father has severe asthma, a heart condition, and walking difficulties. County councillor Adrian Findley criticized the enforcement, telling the BBC officers are “taking it too far” and need discretion for genuine accidents. (Story URL)
