A dog walker who refused to pick up his pet’s poo has had to pay a staggering £650 fine after falling foul of the law.

Shazad Gulzar, 21, ended up with the phenomenal bill because he failed to pay the original penalty.

A community police team officer spotted him leaving his dog’s mess in Valentines Park, Ilford, in July.

It is an offence not to pick it up in roads, pathways and parks in Redbridge, punishable by an £80 fine.

But when Gulzar, of Headley Drive, Gants Hill, refused to pay up, the costs rapidly escalated.

He did not turn up to his hearing at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on February 21 and the offence was proved in his absence.

A judge ordered him to pay an £150 fine, £20 victim surcharge and £480 to Redbridge Council to cover their legal costs within 28 days.

Do you think fining people for dog fouling is barking mad or justified? Let us know by emailing lizzie.dearden@archant.co.uk, tweeting @IlfordRecorder or commenting below.