A DOG owner who failed to clear up his pet’s excrement at a Bournemouth beauty spot has been ordered to pay £330 in fines and costs.

Appearing at Bournemouth Magistrates Court on Friday, David Jackson, of Aylesbury Road in Boscombe, denied two counts of being in charge of a dog which defecated on a grass bank at Hengistbury Head on February 19 and August 1.

The 56-year-old was acquitted of the February charge but found guilty of the August one.

He was ordered to pay a £60 fine, costs of £100, victim surcharge of £20 and a criminal courts charge of £150.

A spokesman for Bournemouth council, which brought the charge, said Jackson was spotted by a ranger committing the offence and then refused to pay the £50 fixed penalty notice.

According to Bournemouth council statistics this is the only fixed penalty notice issued for dog fouling in the borough so far this year. No fines were issued in 2014.

Cllr David Smith, the council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “Dog fouling is one of the most common issues raised by residents and is one we take extremely seriously in a bid to protect both public health and to keep our streets clean and attractive.

“This prosecution sends out a message to those dog owners who behave irresponsibly that they will not get away with it.

“It is very difficult to catch individuals committing this offence and obtaining a prosecution even harder, but our street cleansing and parks teams will continue to target dog fouling and operate a no excuses policy, issuing £50 fines to those caught breaking the rules.”

Cllr Smith added that photo evidence and statements from the public help the authority prosecute those failing to clear up after their pets.

“If you witness an incident of dog fouling please report it to our parks team on 01202 451629, or our street cleansing team on 01202 451199,” he said.

The Daily Echo attempted to contact Jackson after the court case but received no response.