Five accused of hare coursing admit trespassing

Police seized four dogs and equipment including thermal scopes

Five men arrested as part of a hare coursing investigation have pleaded guilty to trespass.

Norfolk Police said a member of the public reported suspicious activity on land just south of Spixworth, near Norwich, at about 15:20 GMT on 3 February.

Officers seized four dogs along with thermal scopes and other equipment.

Three men in their 30s, a man in his 20s and a man in his 40s pleaded guilty at Norwich Magistrates' Court to trespass while "in search or pursuit of game" and other wild birds.

Charges of hunting a wild animal with dogs were withdrawn.

The five men – three from Sprowston, near Norwich, and two from Ireland – were each fined £120 and told to pay compensation of £288.