Dartmoor 4x4 driver is first convicted in 25 years

A crackdown in Dartmoor on off-road vehicles has brought about the first prosecution in 25 years. Maverick Smith, 23, admitted two offences related to driving off-road in a 4x4 on the moor near Princetown, Devon.

The prosecution was brought by Dartmoor National Park Authority – its first for anything other than planning in 25 years. Smith admitted one offence of causing criminal damage and another of driving a vehicle on open access land without lawful authority.

Newton Abbot magistrates’ court fined him £200 for the criminal damage, and ordered him to pay £550 in costs and a £30 victim surcharge.