Portland Port has hailed the convictions of 11 people who were hauled before the courts for trespassing on its land.

Trespassing and other offences that took place within the port estate could previously only be dealt with under civil law.

But the port introduced a new set of bylaws last year.

This means that trespassers and other offenders can now be taken before the magistrates court and if found guilty, could be liable to pay a fine.

The port has an ongoing campaign to ensure these laws are adhered to. Bosses stress that it is private land and for health and safety reasons is not a safe place for people to be wandering around.

Further prosecutions are currently pending.

Portland Port CEO Bill Reeves said: "Portland Port is very lucky to have fantastic historical heritage on the port estate; however they can become dangerous places if the bylaws and general directions are ignored.

"They are in place to keep everyone safe and it is hoped that these prosecutions will act as a deterrent to people in the future."

The latest offenders, all adults, were summonsed to appear at Weymouth Magistrates Court this week for committing the offence of entering or leaving the harbour premises other than by a designated entrance or exit, other than in an emergency. All pleaded guilty except one who failed to appear, however the case was heard in his absence.

The trespass offences took place on dates in May this year.

Those appearing in court were Charlie Bunkin of Victoria Road, Yeovil fined £146 and to pay costs of £85; Ryan John Cherrington of Curtis Close, Sherborne fined £42 and to pay costs of £85; Noke Dorbui, of Mayfield Road, Yeovil fined £146 and to pay costs of £85; Edward David Evans, of Stourcastle, Sturminster Newton fined £146 and to pay costs of £85; Constance Joy Farrands, of Wessex Drive, Bradford Abbas fined £40 and to pay costs of £85; Hanna Louise Gilbert, of Stourcastle, Sturminster Newton fined £40 and to pay costs of £85; Jacob Brian Hall, of North Wootton, Sherborne fined £146 and to pay costs of £85; Adam Craig Lockett, of Springfield Road, Yeovil, fined £40 and to pay costs of £85; Tobie Mikala Spencer, of Fielding Road, Yeovil fined £40 and to pay costs of £85; Michael Symes, of Ludbourne Road, Sherborne fined £100 and to pay costs of £85. Josh Smith of Ashwood Drive, Yeovil was convicted in his absence, fined £220 and ordered to pay costs of £85.

The bylaws can be found on Portland Port’s website portland-port.co.uk

For any queries about the bylaws email police@portlandportpolice.uk