Stratford-on-Avon District Council has successfully prosecuted Mr Peter Egan from Shipston-on-Stour after he failed to comply with a Community Protection Notice.
On 29 January 2024, Magistrates at Coventry Magistrates' Court proved Mr Egan of Bennett Place, Ilmington, Shipston-on-Stour, guilty in his absence for breaching a Community Protection Notice issued on 20 June 2023 with fines and costs totalling £2,424.
Environmental Health Officers from the District Council had served the Notice in relation to the state of a property in Ilmington, which had overgrown gardens, and where Mr Egan was leaving animal carcasses outside for his dogs to eat, causing an odour in the summer months and attracting vermin.
The Community Protection Notice was served under anti-social behaviour legislation requiring works to be undertaken. Despite concerted efforts to engage with Mr Egan over a considerable length of time, almost 18 months, no response was received and there was no improvement at the property.
In his absence, Magistrates found Mr Egan guilty of three offences breaching the Notice and fined him £220 for each of these, plus a £264 victim surcharge and the Council was awarded £1,500 in costs to be paid within 14 days.
Councillor Lorraine Grocott, Environmental and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio said: "Whilst its disappointing that such matters get to the stage that we have to go to court, failure to engage with officers will not prevent us from using our enforcement powers.
"We hope that the judgement sends a strong message to the resident, and we hope that they take action to prevent further enforcement action."
