Stephen Cook case dragging on
Published: 12 February 2010
by PETER GRUNER
ISLINGTON’S first pro-smoking martyr has still not appeared in court five months after he was apprehended for stubbing out a cigarette outside Archway Tube.
Language teacher Stephen Cook spoke out after a new report claimed that almost £2,000 worth of fines were dished out in just five hours in a litter crackdown outside Angel Tube in October last year.
Mr Cook, from Marquis Road, Finsbury Park, said he still has no intention of paying the fine even though he received a letter two months ago threatening court action.
“It was ridiculous and stupid,” said Mr Cook. “I will go to court and prison if necessary.”
Islington Environment chief Lib Dem councillor Greg Foxsmith said that he was pleased that smokers were finally getting the message that they can’t litter the streets.
He added: “There’s no excuse for stubbing out cigarettes outside the Angel Tube because there are smoking bins. Litter is unsightly and everyone hates it.”