A fishing boat skipper has been fined for fishing illegally within a protected area of Lyme Bay.

Mark Higgins, 38, of Chelston, Torquay, was ordered to pay a total of £4,015 after pleading guilty to dredging for shellfish and demersal trawling.

Currently such fishing activity is banned in a 60 square-mile area of Lyme Bay, which is a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC).

On December 20 the Dorset Police helicopter was enlisted by the Marine Management Organisation to observe a boat in the area.

The Kelly Marena II, which is based in Brixham, was spotted by the helicopter off the coast of Burton Bradstock. It appeared to be using towed gear and dredging within the restricted zone.

Helicopter surveillance footage and a statement from helicopter observer PC Leeding was presented as evidence of the illegal fishing activity.

The magistrates fined Mr Higgins £1,000, ordered him to pay £3,000 towards costs and also imposed a victim surcharge of £15.

Sergeant Ian Wood of Dorset Police said: “This is the first time our helicopter has been used for this purpose and it is a good example of how such a resource can be shared.”