Shane Croucher

A Lincoln graduate will be reporting on the 2012 Olympics as a “BT Storyteller“, after beating thousands of other hopefuls to the job.

Tom Mallion, 22, will have privileged access to report on the Games, capturing their spirit and excitement through his films, his blog and Twitter.

He graduated from the University of Lincoln in 2009 with a first class honours degree in Media Production.

Mallion said: “I am passionate about the Olympics and the impact it’s going to have on our capital city. To be part of this incredible event is going to be a privilege.

“I can’t wait to get started and I understand that BT are pooling together people from all across the country including celebrities and athletes to help publicise the games and what they mean to our country.”

His career kick-started while studying for his degree. He made a number of successful documentaries and short films, winning, with a group of fellow students on his course, two prestigious Royal Television Society Awards.

He now works in TV advertising.

Chris Hainstock, Mallion’s former lecturer, said: “We are extremely proud of the fact that one our graduates is one of the lucky 100 people who will help bring the spirit of these momentous Games to the world.

“Given Tom’s talents, we’re expecting some really interesting and colourful coverage of the Olympics. We wish him the all the best.”

Source: University of Lincoln | Image: Ben Taylor Afridi

A man was slapped with £300 in fines and costs by Lincoln Magistrates Court after he failed to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice for throwing a cigarette butt out of a car window.

Richard Smith was caught throwing the cigarette end out of his car by one of the City of Lincoln Council’s Enforcement Officers, who captured the incident on his in-car video camera.

Despite being given numerous chances, Mr Smith failed to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice of £75 and the case was heard in Lincoln Magistrates Court on Tuesday 19th July, where he did not attend.

The court ordered him to pay a £175 fine, £65 costs, £75 compensation and a £15 victim surcharge.

Tony Garner, Enforcement Officer at the City of Lincoln Council, said: “Too many people think that throwing cigarette ends out of cars is acceptable, but the sheer amount of used cigarettes on Lincoln’s streets leads to an unsightly mess.

“We’re sending out a strong message that littering in any form is not acceptable in Lincoln, and if we catch you, we will issue a Fixed Penalty Notice and are prepared to take you to court.

“This case is exceptional, but it shows the full penalty that people can pay for showing such disregard to the cleanliness of our city.”

Source: City of Lincoln Council