A MAN spotted pursuing a blood sport on remote farmland has been fined.

Andrew Boswell, 30, travelled to fields near Melsonby, between Darlington and Richmond, on September 30 to let dogs chase a hare.

After seeing the pursuit, residents noted the details of his van before he left the area.

Police traced the vehicle and Boswell, of Borland Avenue, Carlisle, admitted hunting a wild mammal with a dog at Northallerton Magistrates Court.

He was fined £150, and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £20.

Wildlife crime officer PC John Wilbor said: “This is a good result, particularly considering that the offender had left the area.

"This prosecution sends a strong message that North Yorkshire Police will pursue criminals who travel to our area to commit rural crime.”

The Hunting Act 2004 made hare coursing illegal and anyone convicted of the offence can be fined up to £5,000.

Police said hare coursing participants often spread in a line across a field and disturb the hare from its home, before releasing their dogs to give chase.

Bets are sometimes made on which dog will catch the hare first.