A DOG walker from Helston failed to live up to his name when he refused to clear up after his pet and then wouldn't pay a fixed penalty notice, resulting in a fine and costs amounting to over £1,800.

Martin McPhilbin, of Lower Silver Hill, was fined £200 and ordered to pay £1,647 in costs to Cornwall Council along with a £20 victim surcharge after his case ended up at Truro Magistrates' Court.

The court heard the offence, which took place at Penrose Amenity Area in Helston, was witnessed by a dog welfare officer from Cornwall Council who challenged McPhilbin. He did not return to the fouled area to remove the faeces and then refused to pay a fixed penalty notice which would have allowed him to discharge the offence. As the fixed penalty notice of £80 was not paid, the matter was referred to the courts where McPhilbin pleaded not guilty at the first hearing held in March.

After listening to the evidence from the council’s dog welfare officer, magistrates at the hearing on Wednesday stated that they were satisfied that the offence had been proved beyond reasonable doubt.

Allan Hampshire, head of public protection at Cornwall Council, said: “When dog mess is not collected it can spoil other people’s enjoyment of the area and similarly if the faeces is removed but the bag left littering the place. I am pleased the magistrates have handed out such a high level fine to this individual.

“The issue of dog fouling and irresponsible dog ownership is one that blights many residents of Cornwall. This fine sends a clear message to the small minority of irresponsible dog owners that if you don’t clear up after your dog, the courts will fine you accordingly. With an ever increasing number of officers authorised to take enforcement action, more eyes are now on potential offenders and communities are taking similar initiatives.”