A SMALLHOLDER has been prosecuted for allowing early morning cocks to crow on land he was supposed to vacate.

Robert Memory pleaded guilty to breaking a noise abatement order.

Magistrates at Basingstoke heard that Memory, of Gunn-Barrell Estate, Alresford Drove, South Wonston, was served the order by the city council but that between March 19 and April 4 the birds disturbed the peace in Alresford Drove and West Hill Road North.

He was fined £100 with a £30 victim surcharge and £200 costs.

Memory has been in dispute with the planners at the city council since moving onto the land.

He lost a planning appeal and was ordered to leave the small holding on the edge of the village where he lives in a motor caravan.