A DOG owner has slammed Poole council after making him appear in court five times accused of dog fouling - only to drop the case.

David Gilliver, 69, of Central Avenue in Branksome, was accused in January of allowing his 12-month-old long-haired dachshund Rupert to foul Whitecliff recreation ground.

He pleaded not guilty, saying his dog was not responsible and there were five other animals in the area at the time.

He was one of six people to be prosecuted by the council this year for such offences. The others were given a £90 fine in the summer.

Mr Gilliver has been called to court three times for a trial since then but on each occasion it has been adjourned.

Last time the court would not accept Poole council producing a photocopy of its laws instead of the actual documents.

The trial was finally due to go ahead at Poole Magistrates' Court yesterday but David Baggs for Borough of Poole said the authority would be offering no evidence.

Mr Gilliver, who is also a member of the Friends of Branksome Recreation Ground, said: "What a waste of ratepayers' money, my time, my solicitor's time.

"There was no evidence it was my dog. Most dog owners faced with a summons for a dog fouling would have pleaded guilty and paid the fine, but I believe in truth and honesty.

"As a member of Friends of Branksome Recreation Ground we are energetic in our resolve to keep the ground free of litter, graffiti and dog mess."

Presiding magistrate Roger Coffey ordered the council to pay Mr Gilliver £37.18 for wasted costs, including travelling to court and calls, since January.

He also told Mr Baggs: "A lot of time and effort has been wasted. Perhaps you can take that back to your superiors."

No one at Poole council was available for comment.

First published: Oct 21