Police have reinforced the importance of wildlife safeguards after a man was fined for damaging the habitat of a protected species near Selborne.

John De Benham-Crosswell, 81, pleaded guilty at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on September 23 to damaging or destroying a breeding site or resting place of a wild animal of a European protected species.

Work was carried out at the Selborne Brickworks site in Honey Lane, which is owned by De Benham-Crosswell of South Hay Lane, Bordon.

This work caused damage to the habitat of great crested newts, including the draining of a lake containing the protected species.

The offences took place between July 1, 2015 and April 12, 2016.

Work on sites with protected species must be carried out in accordance with a licence from Natural England, and there wasn’t a valid licence in place when this work was carried out, the court heard.

Magistrates fined De Benham-Crosswell £1,165 and ordered him to pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £117.

Country Watch officer Police Constable Lynn Owen said: “This sends out a strong message that we will take action against anyone contravening wildlife regulations.

“These safeguards are in place to protect specific species and it is crucial that land owners and businesses check the regulations before carrying out any work.”