Pair whose mess 'caused a rat infestation' among messy South Tyneside residents hit with fines and court costs totaling thousands

South Tyneside Council prosecuted the four for failing to comply with notices issued under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 by not removing items from their properties which are likely to harbour pests.

Those prosecuted included Fiona Swinhoe, 33, and Michael Swinhoe, 38, of Mill Lane in Whitburn, were both fined £440 after failing to remove refuse, discarded furniture, discarded material and debris from the rear garden of their property.

They also failed to appoint a pest control contractor to carry out an assessment and treatment of the land where council chiefs said rotting waste had caused a rat infestation.

As well as the fines, the pair were also ordered to pay costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £34, landing them with a bill of almost £1,168 between them.

Also dealt with in court was Peter Judd, of Oak Avenue in South Shields, who was fined £330 after failing to remove debris and refuse from the garage and driveway at the property.

South Tyneside Magistrates’ court also made an order for him to pay costs of £556 and a victim surcharge of £34.

Lorraine Bruce, 34, of Kirkley Avenue, South Shields, was fined £145 after failing to remove discarded material and debris from her back garden and dispose of it at a registered waste disposal facility.

She was also ordered to pay costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £34.

Support your Gazette and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.