A Little Lever man has been convicted of trespass after being caught hare coursing on farmland in Lancashire.

William Rogers, a PVC fitter, aged 40, of Hall Lane Caravan Site, Little Lever, pleaded guilty to trespassing on land at Grange Farm, Lower Lane, Freckleton, near Lytham St Annes, in pursuit of game on October 26.

Rogers was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £60 costs by Blackpool Magistrates.

Prosecutor Craig Cleminson said Rogers was among a group of men working three dogs who were seen trespassing on the farmland.

Rogers had three previous similar convictions for trespass in pursuit of game.

Trevor Colebourne, defending, said Rogers came to the area for a day out with his two sons and met up with friends.

He said: "They went on to what appeared to be open marsh land, but they did not have the permission of the land owner.

"They were hare coursing for recreation, but nothing was caught and nothing was killed.

"If anything had been killed, there would have been no financial gain.

"They were doing it for their fun and enjoyment."