A MAN has admitted committing two criminal offences at the Occupy Bournemouth Sanctuary in January.

Gary Sherborne, who was previously one of the leaders of the movement, admitted criminal damage and obstruction of an enforcement officer at the site in Exeter Road.

On a first appearance at Poole Magistrates' Court, Sherborne, of Walpole Road in Boscombe, refused to stand in the dock. He said he would be representing himself and felt too "confined" to do so from the dock.

When the court clerk told the 55-year-old all defendants must stand in the dock, Sherborne declined again. He was told his appearance would not be acknowledged if he didn't stand in the dock, and a warrant for his arrest would likely be issued.

Sherborne then left the court building.

On February 27, he appeared back before magistrates to admit the charges against him.

A third charge, of failing to surrender to the custody of the court on January 19, was dismissed.

Sherborne damaged a hoarding door belonging to Abrahim Hamad on January 2 this year.

On the same day, he obstructed an enforcement officer engaged with executing a High Court writ.

He was fined a total of £180 and ordered to pay compensation of £50 and court costs of £85.

The incidents happened during the eviction of the unauthorised encampment in Exeter Road. Squatters had moved onto land at the former Punshon Church site.

After a second eviction later that week, the camp moved to the former coal yard site in Ashley Road, Boscombe.

Site owners have been granted an injunction to reclaim the land at court. However, bailiffs have not yet moved to clear the site, and many of those who had been staying on the land have since left.

On a recent visit to Ashley Road, the Daily Echo was told just a few campaigners remain.