IT beggars belief that people were forced to put up with the squalid conditions of the homes owned by the three landlords who have been in court.

These three men took advantage of people who were desperate for accommodation.

Oxford City Council uncovered mouldy, cockroach-infested rooms crammed full of tenants including children.

But the fines handed out by the court are just the latest victory in the fight against rogue landlords.

More than 30 landlords have now been prosecuted and it shows how seriously the council takes the issue.

We applaud the council for its tough stance and hope the outcome encourages anyone who knows of a similar situation to report the matter.