A MAN who was fined for letting his dog foul in a public place has almost doubled his costs by dropping an appeal.

Paul Halcrow, 31, of Plymouth Road, Chafford Hundred, was found guilty of allowing his boxer to foul in a grassed area near his home by magistrates, who fined him £500, ordered him to pay costs of £1,210 and a victim surcharge of £50.

Halcrow, who did not appear at the hearing in Basildon Magistrates’ Court so was found guilty in his absence, decided to appeal the conviction.

However, the council has now had confirmation the appeal has been withdrawn – saddling him with a further £1,450 in costs.

Public protection spokesman Councillor Phil Smith said: “Thurrock Council takes the issue of dogs fouling public areas very seriously.

“We worked closely with local people in Chafford Hundred to get the initial result and the fact this gentleman has now decided to withdraw his appeal shows we don’t go to court without a strong case.

“My predecessor was determined to make sure this part of our enforcement responsibility was followed through properly and I am equally resolved this should be so.

“People should clear up after their pets – it’s simply not acceptable in this day and age for animals to be allowed to roam and foul public areas. It’s dirty and it’s dangerous, especially for children playing nearby.

“I hope this story reinforces that message.”

Halcrow was found guilty of the offence, which took place in March 2013, in December.