A POACHER has been ordered to pay £2,000 in compensation after he was spotted letting his dog chase a rabbit near Whitchurch.

Jeramiah Connors, of St Mellons, Cardiff, pleaded guilty to the poaching offence and was sentenced at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court.

The 23-year-old was ordered to pay £2,000 compensation to Hampshire Constabulary. He was also told that any repeat offence would result in the destruction of his two dogs, Rose and Lady.

He was arrested on Thursday, February 5 after a member of the public reported seeing a man with his dog chasing a rabbit in fields off the A34 near to Whitchurch.

PC Will Butcher, Country Watch officer, said: “This gives a clear message that poaching won’t be tolerated in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“Poaching impacts on both wildlife and landowners, often causing significant damage to the fields.

“By immediately reporting the suspicious activity the local rural community played an important part in assisting use to achieve this outcome.”