A LANDLORD has been in court for the third time in 12 months.

Accrington landlord Colin Frederick Hooper was fined hundreds of pounds after failing to bring a derelict property in Exchange Street into a decent state of repair.

He was found guilty in his absence by magistrates who ordered him to pay costs and fines of more than £1,400.

Mr Hooper, 44, of Waterloo Street, Clayton-le-Moors was found guilty at Hyndburn Magistrates’ Court of failing to comply with notices issued by Hyndburn Council. He had been summonsed to appear after he ignored a notice served by the council requiring him to carry out the repairs.

The council had asked Mr Hooper to carry out repairs to the property many times after complaints and a petition from residents living nearby.

When he failed to carry out repairs the council had no other option but to serve him with a notice that required new windows, doors, removal of all rubbish and painting at the property.

In November he was ordered to pay more than £6,000 for failing to comply with two notices served by Hyndburn Council.

And in February, District Judge Mark Fenning fined him £610 with £15 victim surcharge and ordered him to pay £1,000 in prosecution costs after agreeing with the council that Mr Hooper had failed to comply with a notice requiring him to repair a taxi office in Great Harwood.

In the latest offence the court ordered him to pay a £600 fine, £751 investigation costs, £120 legal costs and £15 victim surcharge.

He must pay within 28 days or face more court action.

Deputy council leader and cabinet member for housing, Clare Pritchard said: “We’ve had upset neighbours complaining about this property and we’ve given Mr Hooper plenty of chances to carry out the work and get it sorted. We’ll now give him time to complete the works before further action.

“Properties in disrepair have a negative impact on an area and we’ve always said we would take a hard line on those who let properties fall into disrepair and take them to court where necessary.”