A court has fined a Brighton man for walking his dog in a cemetery for the second time in months.
Carl Wild, of Melbourne Street, Brighton, was landed with a £1,600 bill after being seen breaking the bylaw ban on dogs in cemeteries 43 times since he was previously prosecuted in May.
Wild, who walked his husky in Woodvale Cemetery, was fined £1,000 – again – and ordered to pay legal costs of £350, a criminal courts charge of £150 and a £100 victim surcharge.
When he was collared in May – for 17 breaches of the bylaw despite living close to Saunders Park – he was fined £1,000 and left with a bill totalling £1,400.
So far this year, that makes £3,000 for 60 walks – or £50 a walk.
Len Batten, prosecuting, brought the case at Eastbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday (4 December) on behalf of Brighton and Hove City Council.
Councillor Gill Mitchell, who chairs the council’s Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee, said: “It’s disappointing that Mr Wild not only continues to disregard the law but also the wishes of other people visiting Woodvale Cemetery.
“The bylaws are in place to ensure that Woodvale remains a pleasant and tranquil place to visit and our officers will continue to take action against those who deliberately flout them.”
Dogs – except guide dogs – are banned from all Brighton and Hove cemeteries.
Unfortunately this is me…
I was actually visiting a friends grave who had unfortunately passed away.
My Husky is always well behaved and he is a very friendly and intelligent Dog that brings a smile to most people who meet him.
I always pick up after him and I don’t let him mess on the graves so i don’t see what the problem is.
I also didn’t even know about these comical court proceedings because I moved House some time ago.
I’m quite surprised with all the things going on in Brighton and Hove a council official managed to find the time to secretly follow me home and then have me taken to court for something without my knowledge and even find my guilty not once… But twice!
Are you saying that the case was heard in court without your knowledge, presents or and representation?
If so I believe you’ve grounds for having it’s verdict overturned and a new hearing!