A LANDLORD couple have been fined after a court found that two properties they were letting were unsafe and in poor repair.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council brought charges against Carole Anne Spencer, 58, of St Patricks Avenue, Weymouth and Innes Glenn Spencer, 53, also of St Patricks Avenue, Weymouth.

A total of 10 charges relating to the condition of a house in Weston Road, Portland were brought against the pair.

A further 14 charges relating to the condition of a house in Reforne, Portland, were also brought against Mrs Spencer. A total of two charges were brought against Mr Spencer in relation to the same property.

A trial was held on Wednesday at Weymouth Magistrates Court.

In relation to the property in Weston Road, Innes Spencer denied seven of the charges and admitted three. He was found guilty and sentenced for all 10 offences. He was fined £2,300.

In relation to the property in Weston Road, Carole Spencer denied eight of the charges and admitted two. She was then found guilty and sentenced for the10 offences. She was fined £2,600.

Carole Spencer faced 14 charges in relation to the property in Reforne, Portland. She denied 13 of the charges and admitted one. She was convicted and was then sentenced for all 14 offences. She was fined £3,950.

Innes Spencer was charged with two offences in relation to the property in Reforne, Portland. He denied both but was found guilty at the trial. No separate penalty was enforced.

The court also ordered the pair pay the costs of the case, which amounted to £10,860. They were ordered to pay £5,430 each.

After the case, Councillor Kevin Brookes, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s Housing Briefholder, said: “This sends out a strong message that we will not tolerate dangerous and poor quality accommodation for residents.

“However, prosecutions are a last resort. We are committed to working with landlords so they are made aware of problems and know their responsibilities. We can advise, guide and assist them to improve their properties. However if landlords refuse to improve, we will take action.”

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council worked with Dorset Fire and Rescue Service on parts of this case.

The charges were mainly brought under the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006 and the Housing Act 2004.