A MAN convicted of poaching offences for a second time has been handed a two-year criminal behaviour order.

Shane Chapman, 27, of Bingham Road in Verwood, was issued the order by Poole Magistrates’ Court on June 11 after pleading guilty to a charge of daytime poaching. The offences happened on rural land near to Sixpenny Handley.

As part of the order he must not go on private land without written permission from the owner or legal representative or be in possession of a catapult in Dorset other than in a dwelling in Dorset.

PC Claire Dinsdale, of the Rural Crime Team, said: “Shane Chapman has caused distress to our farming community with his behaviour and has continued to carry on his activities which include poaching.

“Crucial intelligence is gained when the community report incidents to the police. We can build a clear picture of what is happening and illustrate the harm caused to the community.

“We are pleased the application was successful and this tool is being used more and more nationally in rural crime.

“This order goes to highlight this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated by police, the courts or local communities.”

She added: “We will continue to work closely with the rural community and partners such as the National Farming Union to highlight the true impact of poaching offences and other ways that farmers are threatened, when they work in isolated areas.

“The order was granted for two years, with the intention of preventing further anti-social behaviour occurring anywhere in Dorset. We would ask the community to always report any crime or suspicious incident, including cold callers trespassing on to farms.”

Use 999 if you suspect a crime is in progress or you feel in any way threatened. Gain the vehicle registration if safe to do so. All other matters can be reported at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.