James Vincent was fined £250 following a hearing at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court. He must also pay £50 costs.

Vincent’s activities came to light three weeks ago when wildlife crime officer PC Graham Bilton noticed a van and two caravans parked in a lay-by off the A170 near Snainton while he was patrolling the area.

He spoke to Vincent and noticed a ladder leaning against a tree near to the back of one of the caravans.

Near to the top of the ladder he discovered a chambered cage trap, of a type he had previously seen used for illegally catching small wild birds.

In the chamber was a bird later identified as a linnet, a species which is in decline due mainly to loss of farmland habitat and illegal trapping.

PC Bilton, who is part of Scarborough Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: “The purpose of the trap and bird is to attract other wild birds of the same species drawn by the visual presence and singing of the legally held captive ‘call bird’ inside.

“The wild bird then activates the spring door which springs shut.”

Vincent, who lives in Peverel, Essex, but spends much of the summer travelling around North Yorkshire, admitted three offences of attempting to take a wild linnet, using a trap for the purpose of attempting to take wild birds, and being in possession of a trap capable of being used to commit the offence.

PC Bilton added: “It is important that those responsible for committing wildlife crimes are brought to justice. These crimes have a dramatic effect on the local fauna and flora, yet they often go unreported and are difficult to investigate.

“Therefore it is extremely important that members of the public contact the police immediately if they are witness to or have information about possible wildlife crime.”

The trapping, possession and sale of wild-taken finches is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, but remains a widespread problem in the UK.