A PLANNING violation led to a man being hit with a £10,000 court bill.
Terence Augustine Fowler breached a Copeland District Council enforcement notice last year by failing remove a residential caravan from agricultural land near Whitehaven within a specified time.
The 56-year-old also failed to restore the same patch of land to its previous condition.
Fowler had denied the council's allegation but was found guilty of committing the offence after a trial at Carlisle Crown Court.
The case was adjourned, and Fowler attended court to receive his sentence.
Recorder Michael Murray imposed a £4,000 fine, and ordered the payment of £6,118 costs.
Fowler, of Mill Street, Frizington, was warned that if the money was not handed over he could face a three-month prison term.
As he left the courtroom, Fowler announced his intention to lodge an appeal.
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