A man who defecated outside houses on 30 different occasions has been slapped with a fine in court.

The man caused the disturbance to neighbours in Swanscombe and has now been convicted following a council investigation.

The 50-year-old, who has not been named, carried out the acts between September 2020 and October last year near to housing and creating an unpleasant environment for residents.

Dartford council launched an investigation after the incidents were reported to the authority which it says was "complex and protracted" to identify the offender.

Council enforcement and park rangers anticipated further offences and installed CCTV and signage to gather evidence while staying in touch with residents throughout the investigation.

The man, who is from Swanscombe, pleaded guilty to fly-tipping charges at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court earlier this month.

He was handed a one-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay compensation to Dartford council of £795 and pay costs of £400.

A council spokesman said: “This was a series of alarming offences that not only created a real nuisance for local residents but was extremely challenging and unpleasant to investigate.

"Laws to protect the environment were used to secure a prosecution and officers had to monitor large areas of our residential community over a significant period of time.

“The offences took place close to residential homes and no one should be blighted by such behaviour as they move around in our community.

“Hopefully, the investigation and involvement of the court will lead to this unacceptable pattern of behaviour being addressed and an end to such offences. We have a duty to protect local residents and it is important to take action.”