Court fines man for failing to keep his Jack Russell on a lead.

A DISABLED man has been left with a £700 bill after refusing to keep his dog on a lead.

Malcolm Poole was issued with an £80 fixed penalty fine in Centre Square, Middlesbrough, on May 12, after allowing his Jack Russell, Trix, to run free in the dog control order area.

The 45-year-old said he should be exempt from the rule because a balance disability leaves him in fear of falling over.

He refused to pay the fine, so Middlesbrough Council took him to court. The dog lover was convicted at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday after being found guilty of failing to keep his dog on a lead.

A letter was presented to the court by Mr Poole’s GP, but it did not specify that he was unable to walk with a dog on a lead.

Despite this, Mr Poole said Middlesbrough Council knows about his disability because it provides him with carers.

He was fined £150 and ordered to pay £541 in costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

The Middlesbrough man has vowed to continue walking his dog without a lead in the controlled zone.

“I am at risk of falling and injury,” he said.

“It is obviously dangerous for me to walk with the dog on a lead. I feel I have been harassed by the wardens.”

He added: “I will continue to walk my dog off the lead. My dog will not harm anyone.”

A council spokesman said: “The magistrates considered evidence from Mr Poole about his health and the alleged impact this has on his ability to comply with the order.

“Having considered all the facts of the case, they found him guilty.

“As this case may be the subject of an appeal, it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this stage."