SEVEN people are facing bills of between £362 and £530 each for relieving themselves in public after police and council officers combined to put them before the courts.

Inspector Andy Godfrey of York Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Urinating in public is revolting and unhygienic as well as illegal. These court results show that action will be taken against people who spoil our city centre.

“We’ll continue to work with City of York Council to ensure York is a pleasant and safe environment for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”

All seven were spotted by members of North Yorkshire Police and prosecuted by the council.

In addition to being fined, each was ordered to pay £300 prosecution costs and a £30 statutory surcharge.

David Telford, 35, of no fixed address, was the only one who attended York Magistrates Court.

The magistrates heard he told a police community support officer when he was spotted relieving himself in Duncombe Place, on May 13: “I’m homeless. What am I supposed to do?” and was told where there were public toilets and toilets for homeless people, the court heard.

Telford pleaded guilty to urinating in public and was fined £40.

The following pleaded guilty by letter.

Charlie McGovern, 20, of The Horseshoe, York, admitted urinating in the middle of Coney Street on 28 April 2018 and was fined £83.

Alexandra Allison, 22, of Knapton Lane, York, admitted urinating in Davygate, York, on March 24. She was fined £32.

Ben Hey, 26, of Unity Street, North Bingley, admitted urinating on Coney Street on May 6 and was fined £123.

Stephen Paul Mountain, 35, of Thoresby Road, Acomb, admitted urinating in Park Street, York on May 18 and was fined £112.

Two who did not attend court or send a letter were each found guilty in their absence and fined £220.

John Richard Clarke, 19, of Ramsey Close, York, was seen urinating against a wall in George Hudson Street.

Ryan Wier, 19, of Walpole Street, York, was seen urinating in public in Castlegate on April 20,