A MAN has been found guilty of hare coursing.

Mitchel Cannon, 26, of Sleights, North Yorkshire, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, March 23, after he was detained on suspicion of trespassing in search of game on land at Haisthorpe, East Riding of Yorkshire, on Sunday, December 5.

Cannon was fined £300 and ordered to pay an additional £119 in surcharges and costs.

His vehicle used during the incident was granted destruction following the incident.

Rural Task Force Officer, Kevin Jones, said: "This has been a fantastic result thanks to some really proactive teamwork in tackling wildlife crime.

“This result sends a very clear message to those who are thinking about coming into the East Riding of Yorkshire to commit wildlife crime.

“We will take action on every occasion and will look at utilising all the available legislation to prevent, deter and prosecute those who decide to engage in criminality around our countryside.

“Wherever we have the evidence we will prosecute offenders and we welcome the help of our rural communities in letting us know of incidents in their area.

"If people see anything suspicious, they should always call 999 for suspected crimes in progress or 101 for non-emergency incidents.”