A bedsit landlord whose tenants were allowed to live in neglected and unsafe conditions has been prosecuted by Croydon Council.

Liverpool-based Dee Tuaima was fined more than £25,000 at Croydon Magistrates' Court after being found guilty in his absence of eight counts of contravening regulations.

The property in Frant Road, Thornton Heath, had no gas supply, defective fire precautions, electrical systems, banisters and windows, as well as an overgrown garden, a leaking toilet and an accumulation of rubbish.

The extent of the conditions tenants were living in was discovered after an environmental health officer visited the house.

The council was contacted after the gas board disconnected the gas supply after bills of almost £5,000 were unpaid.

Tuaima was also ordered to pay the council costs of almost £7,000 at the hearing on December 7.

Councillor Tony Newman, cabinet member for housing, said: "This prosecution is a victory for the council to ensure safe and acceptable living conditions for tenants living in this type of property, who are often very vulnerable."

Residents who feel conditions in their homes are not acceptable can contact Shayne Coulter, Croydon Council's principal environmental health officer, on 020 8760 5631.