A man has been forced to pay almost £800 after not picking up his dog's poo.

Folkestone resident Frank Young was ordered to foot the hefty bill after being caught on CCTV failing to clean up after his canine companion.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) took the resident to court after a member of the public reported him for the offence on Foord Road, which was also captured on CCTV.

When the case was brought before Folkestone Magistrates' Court, Mr Young, of Connaught Road, failed to appear and the case was proved in his absence.

An FHDC spokesperson said that the dog walker had been initially served with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £100, but chose not to pay.

After being found guilty in court, he was hit with a total cost of £796, which included costs and a victim surcharge, for the offence.

Mr Young was one of three Folkestone residents taken to court for anti-social actions including littering and taking a dog into an area where the pets are not allowed.

"If people are selfish enough to disregard the rules... then the council will take action..."

Katy Gibbons, of Bradstone Road, faced an identical bill including costs and a victim surcharge after being caught fly-tipping a black sack containing household waste on her home road.

Cherelle Perrin was also brought to court on the same day – Monday, January 30 – and ordered to pay £488 for breaching a public space protection order.

Ms Perrin was in control of a dog off a lead on The Leas in Folkestone – where dogs must always be on the lead – and was found guilty of breaching a public space protection order.

Cllr Stuart Peall – FHDC cabinet member for enforcement, regulatory services, waste and building control – said: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy open spaces in the district and responsible dog ownership is important to ensure the safety and wellbeing of others.

“If people are selfish enough to disregard the rules in place to safeguard other residents, then the council will take action against these types of anti-social behaviour.

“I’d like to thank the person who provided the CCTV which helped secure the dog fouling conviction. We work closely with the public if they have evidence or report behaviour which requires enforcement action.”

FHDC leader Cllr David Monk added: “There’s no excuse for not looking after our local environment. Waste can easily be disposed of using our collection services or by visiting one of Kent County Council's household waste recycling centres.”