A landlord has been fined more than £10,000 after a family in Flintshire was left living in poor conditions.

Stephen John Gleave was found guilty of failing to comply with an improvement notice served against a two storey terrace in Shotton, which he rented to a mother and her two children.

It comes after the family was left facing damp problems, a lack of hot water and adequate heating, poor kitchen and bathroom facilities, a shortage of fire safety provisions and serious falls hazards.

Gleave, from Prestatyn, was found guilty of seven offences under legislation designed to protect private tenants following a successful prosecution by Flintshire Council.

They included failing to register his rental properties with Rent Smart Wales and failing to obtain a licence to operate as a private landlord in Wales, which are both legal requirements since November 2014.

Flintshire Council’s cabinet member for planning and public protection, Councillor Christopher Bithell, said the prosecution sent out a clear message to landlords.

He said: “We believe everyone has the right to live in a home which is in good repair, has ready access to all necessary amenities and is free from physical hazards.

“Whilst we aim to reduce the health effects of poor housing conditions through a combination of advice and financial assistance, occasionally we deal with matters that are so serious that a prosecution is necessary.

“This prosecution sends out a clear message to other private landlords, that non-compliance with current housing standards and non–compliance with the Rent Smart Wales laws – is completely unacceptable.”

Gleave, who did not attend the court hearing and has a number of similar previous convictions, was fined £10,600 as well as £1,688 costs and ordered to pay the total within 28 days or face further court appearances.