A HOUSEHOLDER from Carlisle has been fined for ignoring an environmental protection notice that obliged him to appoint an expert to investigate suspected damp that affects his neighbours.

Jonathan Poole, of Newcastle Street, Carlisle, failed to turn up for the Carlisle City Council instigated prosecution.

The city's Rickergate court heard that the defendant’s neighbours had complained about damp problems affecting their home – problems which were thought to have emanated from the defendant’s terraced property.

A council notice had put a legal obligation on Poole to have the potential damp problem professionally investigated. The allegation that he breached the notice was proved in the defendant's absence.

Magistrates ruled that Poole must pay £335 costs and a £66 victim surcharge. The defendant was fined £660. His total bill to the court is £1,061.