And finally… squeaky clean

A woman who refuses to deal with a rodent infestation in her home because of her “ethical vegan” beliefs – leading to mice overrunning her neighbours’ homes – has been fined for a second time.

Margaret Manzoni, 73, has driven some of her neighbours out of their homes by feeding the mice, who she sees as her “pets”, leading to property damage and an overpowering smell.

Manzoni, who lives in north-east Essex, ignored notices issued by Tendring District Council ordering her to deal with the infestation, as well as a court order made in April.

She admitted at Colchester Magistrates’ Court to charges of failing to comply with a notice under the Environmental Protection Act and a notice under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act.

She was fined £1,500 and ordered to pay costs of £2,395 to the council and a victim surcharge of £150, Sky News reports.



A spokesperson for the council said it had “no choice but to prosecute again” because “nothing had changed” since the previous court proceedings.

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