Poachers fined for '˜lamping' in Richmondshire

Matthew Readman, 33, and Mark Slater, 26, both of West Auckland, County Durham, were fined after being convicted of entering land as trespassers at night with poaching equipment.

Volunteer members of the area’s Borderwatch policing scheme reported ‘lamping’ - hunting at night using lamps - taking place on land at Gayles, Richmondshire where two men were later seen returning to a nearby vehicle.

The incident took place on February 3 and when police officers attended, they found the men to be in possession of two lurcher dogs and a high-powered lamp.

Readman was fined and ordered to pay costs totalling £377, and Slater totalling £185.

The lamp they were using was forfeited for destruction.

PC John Wilbor, wildlife crime officer at North Yorkshire Police, said: “This is a great example of the community working together, allowing a good case to be put forward, where the defendants pleaded guilty in court.”