A FARMER has thanked police officers for their support after a man was fined for damaging his crops.

Simon Milton, 33 of Maple Way in Burnham was ordered to pay a total of £387 as well as £128 compensation to St Lawrence farmer Simon Cowell.

Milton also had six points put on his driving licence when he appeared in Colchester Magistrates' Court on Feburary 24.

He admitted to criminal damage, failing to stop for officers and driving without due care and attention after an incident on Mr Cowell's farm on October 2 last year.

Officers from Essex Police's rural engagement team had received reports of a vehicle which was being driven off-road in St Lawrence and had caused damage to farmland.

They attended but Milton failed to stop.

However, his vehicle was picked up on cameras and he was arrested later in the day in Pitsea after a short pursuit.

Mr Cowell said: "It’s good to know we’ve been able to get a conviction.

"Farmers have their crops damaged regularly by hare coursers and other people who think it’s fun to drive across our fields."

He added: "I saw the vehicle spinning round and round on my land and I was going across on my quadbike to have a look when I saw blue lights approach from the direction of the road.

"The police vehicle stayed on the side of the field, so the officers didn’t damage the crops.

"I’m pleased with the court result because it’s a deterrent and the more people who are caught, the better.

"The police were brilliant and kept me informed all the way through.

"As farmers, we take a pride in our farms and it’s quite upsetting when someone has so little respect for your property. 

"They think they can just make a mess and abuse it but it’s as if someone comes along and sprays graffiti on the front of your house. 

"We take it personally and it’s very dispiriting."

Anyone who experiences anti-social behaviour or who has information about a crime is urged to ring 999, 101 or report it online.

PC Clare Dawson, a rural engagement officer, said: "This is a great result from the courts. It shows we don’t tolerate criminal damage and people do pay for this type of crime.

""This type of incident has a huge impact on farmers. It affects their land and their crop yields, which all costs money and time to fix.

"The rural engagement team was set up to engage specifically with our rural communities and we investigate and help to prevent crimes which matter to them."