A TRESPASSER was caught with an air gun on land in the Herefordshire countryside.

Simon Martin, aged 38, was found in Westhide, Herefordshire, with the weapon.

Hereford Magistrates' Court heard that he had been carrying the air rifle while trespassing on the land on December 29 last year. The court heard he was found to be in possession of a Gamo air rifle.

On February 21, Martin, of Weston Beggard, pleaded guilty to one count of trespassing on land with an air weapon.

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He has now been sentenced and must pay a £220 fine and £135 in court costs. He must also pay a victim surcharge of £88.

Magistrates said they had taken his guilty plea into account when deciding on the penalty to impose for the offence.

Martin also had to surrender his weapon and the air rifle has been seized by police. It has been ordered to be destroyed.