A Brighton man has been landed with a £1,400 court bill for repeatedly walking his dog in Woodvale Cemetery.
Carl Wild, of Melbourne Street, Brighton was caught walking his husky dog in Woodvale Cemetery 17 times since April 1 this year, despite several warnings from cemetery staff and park ranger.
He was eventually prosecuted after refusing to pay a fixed penalty charge. The £1,000 fine, £300 court costs and £100 victim surcharge, which followed his pleading guilty in his absence, means each walk cost him £82.35.
Wild pleaded guilty to walking his dog in his absence at Eastbourne Magistrates’ Court in a case brought by Brighton and Hove City Council.
Len Batten, prosecuting, told the court that on the morning of the court hearing, which Wild did not attend, he was spotted walking his dog at Woodvale at 5.36am.
The council said: “Despite several warnings by cemetery staff and park rangers, Wild continued to exercise his dog on the cemetery grounds.
“He was eventually prosecuted after refusing to pay a fixed penalty charge.”
All dogs are banned from Brighton and Hove Cemeteries with the exception of guide dogs.
In a separate hearing at Eastbourne Magistrates Court, Ann Barrett, of Briarcroft Road, Woodingdean was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £200 costs after admitting failing to keep her dog under control.
The court heard that Barrett’s German Shepherd dog Millie attacked a spaniel at Briarcroft Road, Woodingdean in January this year.
Magistrates also ordered Barratt to keep her dog on a short lead and muzzled while walking in public places.
What damage did he cause to any persons or property by his actions?
None. Under common law he has not committed an offence.
If he agrees to be governed by statute and stand under the Magistrates policy, that is his decision. As he did not appear in court he clearly dose not. He should seek legal redress…
But dog fouling on someone’s grave, which is visited by surviving relatives, could be seen as a form of ‘damage’.
It’s a cemetery. Dogs are prone to using upright objects to urinate against. I know the cemetery and it is a very peaceful area, however there are roads throughout. An unleashed dog should not be running around where cars and hearses are driving. The by-laws for the cemetery state that only guide dogs are allowed. if he wishes to use the space, then he should abide by the regulations.