A property manager who two years ago was ordered to pay almost £28,000 but has so far paid only £150, has been fined another £23,000 – and warned to pay up.

Zain Khan, 29, who manages properties in Nottingham on behalf of his father, admitted 20 offences in July 2014.

At the time, Nottingham magistrates heard that tenants at three flats had suffered a cockroach infestation, dirty living conditions and exposed electric sockets.

Now Khan has appeared in court again in relation to the same properties, home to 14 tenants. He pleaded guilty to six offences.

The latest problems were discovered when one tenant complained that she had no hot water. Inspectors found a range of concerns including water leaking on to electric switches and a fire alarm panel which had exposed live parts.

Presiding magistrate Nikki Whitelaw told him: “We consider this very, very seriously, given the fact that this could endanger the lives of your many occupants.”

The court heard that he had been ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £27,678 in July 2014 for similar matters.

This had originally been a total of £45,628 but it was reduced on appeal at the Crown Court.

He had been told at the time to pay £150 monthly – but had made only one instalment.

Mrs Whitelaw told him: “You are looking at nearly £50,000 fines outstanding and that will take time. You need to pay this.”

The monthly repayment was set at £300 and the magistrate warned him: “You can’t ignore this and stick your head in the sand.

“If you do, the court will take the necessary steps and have you back to have a dialogue. You have one month for the first payment.”