A landlord with property in Wellington has been fined almost £35,000 after being prosecuted by Somerset County Council.

The man had breached housing laws by failing to apply to the local authority for a license. He pleaded guilty and has been fined £34,640.

The landlord had also ordered to pay the council a further £6,000 after he attempted to serve an injunction on the old district council. He had tried to prevent the authority from undertaking its duty to inspect one of his properties after they had served him with a notice to carry out improvements.

Kim Lewington, Private Sector Housing & Environment Protection Manager, said: “We work closely with Somerset landlords and support them to meet their legal obligations. 

“However, we will not shy away from taking strong enforcement action and applying sanctions where they are needed. 

“The Council is satisfied with the outcome of these court cases and hopes it sends a strong message to deter other landlords from breaching their duties.”