Two brothers have been ordered to pay more than £1,000 each in fines and costs for hare coursing.

Craig Richards, 33, and his younger brother Scott, 20, from Rowley Regis, in the West Midlands, admitted three charges of hunting hares with dogs.

Craig Richards was ordered to pay fines, costs and compensation of £1,176.65, and his younger brother was ordered to pay £1,026.65.

Didcot magistrates heard today that they had driven to the Wantage and Steventon areas to go coursing.

After the case, RSPCA inspector Kirsty Hampton said: "This so-called 'sport' is now totally illegal and will not be tolerated.

"The RSPCA hope that this prosecution will send a clear message to others that any person found hare coursing will be prosecuted whenever possible. As well as heavy fines, it's possible they could have their dogs and vehicles taken away."

Ms Hampton added: "Landowners are sick of having these people trespassing to carry out this illegal act."