National Lottery winner fined for blocking public footpath next to his house claims he was worried about crime and dogs fouling in his garden
A lottery winner has defended his decision to block a public footpath next to his home after being fined £8,000.
Mark Skuse claimed he was concerned about crime and dogs fouling his garden so obstructed the right of way next to his six-bed mansion in South Gloucestershire.
Skuse – who won £120,000 with his wife Wendy in the postcode lottery two years ago – was ordered by the council to reopen the popular hiking and dog walking path in May last year.
However, he ignored the pleas and was summoned to appear at Bristol Magistrates Court on Monday.
He was found guilty of obstructing the public right of way, contrary to Section 137 of the Highways Act 1980.
The businessman defended his obstruction, claiming he was forced to restrict access after a series of attempted thefts and dogs that took over his garden.
He said: “I had problems with people coming up at night with the intention of theft.
“We have had damage from attempted thefts. The path is an easy way for criminals to come up.
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“But if you call the police, it’s 40 minutes before anyone comes out. My wife and I have eight kids and seven grandkids.
“In the summer we all congregate out the back. We’ve got a pool, BBQ, you get people walking by. They have a dog off the lead. The dog is then running, interacting with us. That’s not really on.
“Dogs come into the swimming pool, have a c*** in the garden. I’ve had a dog jump in the swimming pool while the grandkids are in there. Is that acceptable?”
He was ordered to pay a £5,000 fine – £1,155.60 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge.
Skuse bought the home for £1.25million three years ago and claims that he only blocked off the public footpath after “around seven” incidents threatening his home.
Mark King, Service Director of Place Operations at South Gloucestershire Council said: “We’re pleased with this result, which is the first time the council has had to resort to a prosecution of this type.
“There are 783 miles (1257km) of public rights of ways across South Gloucestershire and we have a responsibility for making sure that they are usable, safe, legal and enjoyable, in partnership with town and parish councils, landowners and the public.
“Hopefully this will act as a deterrent for anyone breaking the law with regards to accessing land. Public rights of way are a legally protected right for the public to pass, giving access to the countryside and urban areas.”