A number of men, including four from Slough, were found trespassing with intent to poach wildlife in Oxfordshire.

On January 7, 2022, officers were called to two 4x4 vehicles driving across fields in Britwell Salome shining lamps.

Officers attended and arrested the individuals before recovering the vehicles the following day.

The vehicles were searched and ball bearings, a hunting lamp and a lock knife were recovered, which is evidence of poaching.

Following an investigation, seven men have been charged with entering land as a trespasser with poaching equipment and received their sentences at Oxford Magistrates Court.

William Loveridge, aged 23, John-Henry Loveridge, aged 21, Levi Loveridge aged 23, and Michael Loveridge, aged 31, all of Milton Close, Horton, Slough, pleaded guilty to the offence.

Tommy Giles, aged 18, of Mill Place, Datchet, Alfie Chambers, aged 22, of Molesey Close, Hersham and Johnny Inman, aged 20, of Swallow Park, Surbiton, Surrey also plead guilty to the offence.

William Loveridge, John-Henry Loveridge and Alfie Chambers were given £250 fines, were ordered to pay £200 in costs and surcharges of £34.

Giles, Inman, Michael Loveridge and Levi Loveridge were also ordered to pay £200 in costs and £34 in surcharges but were only fined £150.

PC Ryan Dollery, of the Rural Crime Taskforce, said: “This was a result of great teamwork between response officers and the Rural Crime Taskforce which has ended in the sentencing of seven offenders.

“I hope this demonstrates that Thames Valley Police will work hard to bring rural crime offenders to justice.”