Pensioner trapped by hole in the road

It could almost be a Candid Camera prank. Ernest Murrell awoke one day to find himself a prisoner in his own home.

He was trapped by a gaping hole in the pavement outside his front gate, dug by Thames Water and cordoned off with a barrier and cones. For two days Mr Murrell, 78, had to lift the barrier aside - not easy for a man of his age - and squeeze through the gap.

" It was right up against my gate," said Mr Murrell. "Nobody could get in or out. The guy who did this was a jackass. It was like he wanted to lock me in."

Mr Murrell c omplained to Newham council about the obstruction in Streatfeild Avenue, East Ham.

The council took legal action and it emerged today that Thames Water has been fined £500 and ordered to pay £250 costs by Stratford magistrates for breaching safety legislation.

By law, during roadworks a metre-wide path must be kept clear, or an alternative footpath provided.

Thames Water said the obstruction was cleared within two hours of its receiving a complaint, but it "deeply regretted" the incident.

A spokeswoman said the work was done by one of its contractors, Enterprise plc, from which no one was available for comment.