A man, who fired a pellet pistol at targets in the protected Epping Forest, has been slapped with a court bill of more than £400.

Daniel Cane, of Sandringham Way, Waltham Cross, admitted carrying and discharging a firearm on December 4 last year in the forest near Waltham Abbey.

Chelmsford magistrates heard how the 21-year-old was seen by forest ranger Tristan Vetter with two other men firing a CO2 pellet pistol at targets at around 4pm.

The court was then told when the group returned to their car Cane was asked to put the weapon on the bonnet but he refused and attempted to leave. Police were called.

Cane, who represented himself in court, said he was testing the weapon which he had bought. He added that he wasn't aware it was an offence.

He was fined £120, with £284 costs.