South Wales Evening Post - 8 December 2006
Swansea Council is refusing to reveal how much it has cost to chase recycling rubbish martyr Michael Reeves (pictured) through the courts.
It prosecuted Mr Reeves after a single sheet of paper with his name and address was found in his green glass recycling bag.
After five court appearances he was finally hit with a £100 fine and ordered to pay Swansea Council £100 in costs, though the true figure is expected to be much higher.
But the council has blocked an Evening Post Freedom of Information request asking for the bill.
It argues that the case is still ongoing as Mr Reeves is appealing against the Swansea Magistrates Court decision and releasing the information would prejudice proceedings.
Mr Reeves, who works as an Evening Post sports journalist, said he failed to see how revealing the sum could affect the outcome of the trial.
He said: "I am surprised that they haven't been able to release the figure of what this case has cost the council so far.
"Hopefully, when it is all over, they will be able to reveal just how much this has cost the people of Swansea who can then decide if it was worth it."
A spokesman for Swansea Council said: "Michael Reeves has lodged an appeal against his conviction to the Crown Court.
"Consequently, the authority is not in a position to quantify costs due to the ongoing nature of the legal proceedings. "
