A pensioner has been ordered to pay £300,000 after building a network of tunnels underneath his home, which nearly caused it to collapse.

William Lyttle, also known as the 'Mole Man' by local residents in Mortimer Road, Hackney, spent 40 years digging a labyrinth of tunnels.

Mr Lyttle, 77, was evicted by Hackney Council in 2006 so they could carry out work to stabilise the house.


Fiona Fletcher-Smith, Corporate Director for neighbourhoods at Hackney Council, said she was delighted with the result: "Mr Lyttle's actions had led to his home becoming a danger to himself and to the general public.

"Making the property safe is a matter which has incurred considerable expense to the Hackney taxpayer over a number of years, and we are extremely pleased that the court has agreed we should be able to recoup the cost."

The High Court ordered him to pay the full amount within 14 days or the property could be sold.

It is believed Mr Lyttle inherited the property from his parents.

(CD/JM/KMcA)