A farmer who started toxic bonfires in Horton Kirby has been fined thousands of pounds for constantly showing "callous disregard" to his neighbours.

Neighbours complained about William Cook Jr, 51, for starting large fires fuelled by waste and tyres creating a persistent "dark smoke".

Cook, of Oakview Stud Farm, Lombard Street, was warned by the council in May 2016, and then was issued with a community protection notice in November after a large dark-smoke fire at his farm breached the Clean Air Act.

Cook continued to start fires on his farm, with council officers witnessing three more in December and April 2016.

Councillor Matthew Dickins, Sevenoaks District Council’s cabinet member for direct and trading services, said: “Despite repeated attempts to engage with Mr Cook, he persisted with his polluting bonfires – showing a callous disregard for the law, his neighbours and the environment we hold so dear.

“This case makes crystal clear that environmental crime has no place in the Sevenoaks district and the burning of hazardous waste will simply not be tolerated."

Mr Cook pleaded guilty at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on October 4 to one charge of a dark smoke offence and three charges for breaching a CPN.

He was fined £1,000 for each offence and ordered to pay £8,500 in costs to the council and a £100 victim surcharge.

The council was granted a criminal behaviour order against Mr Cook which if breached, could lead to imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Cllr Dickens added: "The granting of a criminal behaviour order demonstrates the seriousness with which the Court has taken this matter. I very much welcome its decision and wish to place on record my thanks to the colleagues involved in securing this successful prosecution.”