A man from Kingston has lost his appeal to overturn a fine for blocking part of the River Thames with his two barges.

The High Court has dismissed all of Alistair Trotman’s arguments in relation to the original court verdict.

He was fined £800 in 2022 court for breaking navigation, safety and mooring byelaws.

He’d rented out rooms on houseboats Rhythm of River and Kupe, moored in largely the same spot near Hampton Court Bridge for 6 months, in 2018.

But boats moored permanently without the consent of the landowner can only remain stationary on the non-tidal Thames for up to 24 hours.

The Environment Agency had warned Trotman more than once to move the barges or face prosecution, including through an official notice.