TWO men were caught illegally hunting with dogs on farmland near Alresford, a court was told.

Mark Mosley and John Quilligan were arrested after poaching on land off Lovington Lane, Ovington, on January 8 this year, said Kate Price, prosecuting.

Mosley, 28, Cobbetts Close, Guildford, admitted three offences: criminal damage to land belonging to David Mitchell; possession of an illegal hunting knife at Winnall Services near Winchester; and hunting wild mammals with dogs.

He was released on unconditional bail to return on September 28.

Qulligan, 20, of Cambridge Road, South Norwood, London, admitted the hunting offence and criminal damage.

Magistrates  sentenced him to a 12-month conditional discharge and a £22 victim surcharge.

There was no confiscation order as none of the seized items belonged to him. Neither was there an order for compensation as insufficient detail was provided.