A man has been fined heavily after he was caught urinating at the back of a charity shop. 

Darren Cooper, 44, of Park Road, Middlesbrough, appeared at Teesside Magistrates' on May 14, charged with one count of anti-social behaviour - relating to the incident.

The charge related to an incident on November 1 last year, which saw Cooper urinate behind the Far Place Animal Rescue Shop, 87-89 Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough.

In court, the charge read: "On November 1, 2023, at Middlesbrough without reasonable excuse, did an act namely urinated behind the Far Place Animal Rescue Shop, 87-89 Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough Town Centre.

"This was contrary to sections 67(1), (2) and 68 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, you did an act prohibited by Middlesbrough Borough Council Public Spaces Protection Order which states no person shall urinate or defecate in a public place, this includes the doorway or alcove of any premises to which the public has access."

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At Teesside Magistrates' Court on May 14, Cooper, who was not present, had the charge proved in absence. 

He was fined £220, ordered to pay £88 to fund victim services, and ordered to pay costs of £200 - which totals £508. 

Cooper was ordered to pay these costs by June 14 this year.