SIX people have been fined a total of nearly £2,000 after they were caught urinating in York streets.

The city council used a byelaw to pursue prosecutions against the five men and one woman, saying the antisocial behaviour of urination in the streets is a public health hazard, stops other people enjoying the city centre and puts an “unacceptable burden” on street cleaners.

Three York people were prosecuted – Stephen Thompson, of Etty Avenue, who was caught offending in Nessgate and was fined £200; Andrew Douglas, from Skelton, who was caught in Coney Street and was fined £200; and Abigail Scott, of Avenue Road, who pleaded guilty and was fined £75 for offending in Duncombe Place .

Another three people – Mark Chaikin, from North Ferriby, who offended in Coney Street; Gareth Morgan from Doncaster who was caught in Micklegate; and Robert Cardy, from Leeds, who was caught in Rougier Street - were all fined between £100 and £200.

All six had to pay £140 court costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

The council’s Coun Lindsay Cunningham-Cross said: “This kind of antisocial behaviour not only prevents residents and visitors from enjoying the city centre, but also adversely affects local businesses and places an unacceptable burden on the council’s cleansing services.

“These successful prosecutions show that we will not tolerate antisocial behaviour in our city and that we are serious about keeping our streets safe for people to enjoy.”