A would-be builder whose work caused "a great deal of distress and potentially safety issues" has been ordered to pay thousands of pounds by a court.

Raymond Conway, of Wastwater Avenue, Workington, appeared before magistrates in the town and pleaded guilty to 12 charges of contravening a provision contained within building regulations.

The court heard Conway had agreed to build extensions to houses in Grisedale Close, Mirehouse and Murton Park, Arlecdon, but failed to obtain the necessary planning permission or submit for building regulations. There were also issues with insulation and foundations, the court was told.

Conway, 49, was fined £553 for failing to submit for building regulations for the Arlecdon house and £923 for the Mirehouse property.

He was also ordered to pay £1,200 costs and a £92 victim surcharge.

Magistrates said Conway had shown a blatant disregard for the regulations and caused the homeowners a great deal of distress and potentially safety issues.

Geoffrey Hall, defending, told the court Conway was struggling financially due to supporting his son and taking out a second mortgage.

These pressures caused him to turn to building, which he had no experience of other than small scale jobs for friends, alongside his job as a chemical operative.

The court heard Conway had asked the owners of both properties to check the planning permission and building regulations required for the work but Simon Ward, prosecuting, said the victims disputed this.

Mr Hall said: "Mr Conway has not appeared before a criminal court before so he's embarrassed and ashamed.

"I can only say on his behalf it is down to a combination of ignorance, inexperience and a foolhardy decision not to contact Copeland council.

"He is not someone who is in the building trade as his means of earning a living. The whole experience has been a disaster for him financially and in terms of his reputation."

A spokesman for Copeland council said: “We have a long and successful track record of working with businesses to achieve compliance with the standards set by the Building Regulations.

"However, where unauthorised work presents a threat to building occupants’ health and safety, the council will not hesitate to take the appropriate legal action against anyone who breaches the regulations.”