A rogue landlord has been sentenced to 10 months in prison at Chesterfield Crown Court for the state of his properties.

In August last Martin Ambler pleaded guilty to four counts of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order and was told to expect to pay significant compensation and costs.

At the original hearing, Judge Bennett deferred sentencing and ordered Ambler to instruct housing experts or a management company to inspect and provide a report on all the properties he owns within Bolsover district; to cooperate with Bolsover council to inspect his properties in the area; and to provide full financial information including any companies to which he was a director and to commit no further offences.

However, since this court appearance Ambler has been in breach of his criminal behaviour order and the Judge’s instructions by not providing all relevant information.

During inspections council officers found one of Ambler’s properties was infested with rats and due to the major defects found, the rats continued to gain access to the property.

Judge HHJ Bennett delivered the sentencing in the absence of Ambler who declined to attend court.