An actor who played a giant in the final Harry Potter film has been sentenced to a conditional discharge after failing to dismantle a summer house in his garden.

Medway magistrates ordered Phillip Wright, from Grain, also has to pay almost £800 in court costs after a planning breach spanning seven years.

The actor, who played Lord Voldemort's henchman in The Deathly Hallows part two, constructed a timber-clad out building at his Nore View home in 2007.

Wright did not seek planning permission and failed to dismantle the structure following a planning enforcement notice issued by Medway Council.

Over seven years, he appealed the notice and was in regular contact with the council.

But he appeared in court in June and July when he pleaded not guilty and the hearings were adjourned to allow him to seek legal advice.

But Wright appeared in court yesterday and admitted failing to comply with a planning enforcement notice issued under section 172 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Max Davidson, defending, said there was "delayed compliance because Mr Wright did not understand that there was no defence in this case", adding: "He thought he could have his day in court to dispute the notice."

Alan Conroy, prosecuting for Medway Council, said: "This has been a very long process and opportunities were given to move the building and this was not done."

Wright was given a final chance to take the structure down by August 2013 to avoid court action and he eventually dismantled it in July this year.

The actor was given a 12-month conditional discharge and must pay £785 court costs.

Cllr Peter Hicks, head of community safety and customer contact at Medway Council, said: "I would always advise people to seek advice from planning before going ahead with a building project.

"They work hard to ensure any proposed building structure is right for the area, will not cause issues for those living nearby and that it is, indeed, safe.

"This case should send a clear message to anyone wishing to carry out works at home, to seek advice from the council planning department."