A WOMAN has been fined £200 after breaching an abatement notice.

Joanne Phillips, 39, of Brendon Drive, Halstead, did not attend Colchester Magistrates’ Court, but was found guilty in her absence of failing to clear up dog faeces in her back garden.

She was fined £200, made to pay £546 in compensation, £150 in prosecution costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Councillor Wendy Schmitt, councillor responsible for environment and place at Braintree District Council, said: “We’re committed to making sure the district is clean, tidy and a nice place to live.

"This case shows that where people persistently cause nuisance and refuse to cooperate with the council, we will prosecute.”