RUBBISH left in the garden of a Colchester home for so long it caused a mouse infestation was dealt with in court.

Steve Baines was fined hundreds of pounds in his absence at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court for failing to control the pest problem which began with overgrown bushes.

Colchester Council’s environmental protection team first investigated the issue in 2016, when they reported an “extremely overgrown garden full of head height brambles,” Rebekah Straughan, prosecuting, said.

She said: “A notice was served that December and Mr Baines was given until February 2017 to cut back and clear the brambles, and overgrown vegetation.

“Unfortunately, there was no change whatsoever. A final warning letter was sent in March 2017 and on March 31 the landlord informed us there was no improvement, and he understood the tenant was moving on shortly.”

However, Baines, of Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, was still at the address more than a year later when more notices followed.

The latest one was issued in November.

Ms Straughan said: “Photos were taken of the garden and no work had been carried out.

“It’s likely such an overgrown garden would harbour vermin.”

For failing to comply with the steps required after service of a local authority notice Baines was fined £440 and must also pay £244 in total court costs.