An 18-year-old Hampshire woman has been told to pay more than £650 after failing to clear up dog mess in a park, according to a local authority.

Katie Arnell was seen by a city council officer to allow her dog to foul in Duke Crescent Green, Portsmouth, without cleaning up after it.

She failed to pay an on-the-spot fine of £75 and the authority took the case to court.

The teenager, of Watts Road, Portsmouth, failed to attend the hearing at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court and after she was found guilty in her absence she was fined £400 and ordered to pay £253.60 costs.

Paul Fielding, assistant head of transport and environment at the council, said: ''The majority of people with dogs are responsible and clean up their mess. We're determined to catch the minority of people who don't. Dog mess is disgusting and can be a dangerous source of disease for children.''

Eleanor Scott, cabinet member for environment and community safety, said: ''I'm told time and time again by residents that they're sick of dog fouling and want action. So the message is clear - if you are caught dog fouling you will be fined. If you don't pay the fine you will be prosecuted.

''Don't use people's neighbourhoods as your dog's toilet.''