A 47-year-old man is facing a £830 fine after being convicted of hare coursing in Redbourn.

Patrick McDonagh, 47, from Hemel Hempstead, pleaded not guilty to hare coursing on December 20, 2017 in Punch Bowl Lane, Redbourn but was convicted on Wednesday, June 13 by St Albans Magistrates Court.

PC Jane Flemons said: “A member of the public reported seeing a lurcher dog chasing a hare across the field. McDonagh was found in Punch Bowl Lane with two lurchers, two German shepherds and a springer spaniel along with his Ford Mondeo.”

McDonagh pleaded guilty to the driving offences after police found the vehicle had no tax and a bald tyre, meaning it will be crushed and he will have to pay a £60 fine, £620 in court costs and a £30 victim surcharge, totalling £830.

He has also been given three points on his licence.

Ch Insp Stuart Cheek said: “We’ve made a commitment to the rural community that we will work with farmers and landowners to reduce crime.

“We know hare coursing can have a damaging effect on farmers and landowners and we will use our powers, including crushing criminals’ vehicles, to make it hard for them to operate.

“Without his car, McDonagh will struggle to cause further harm to our rural communities.”