SMOKING has become a costly habit for one Hampshire man.

When James Christie dropped a cigarette end on the ground he didn't expect to feel the long arm of the law.

In fact the 28-year-old found himself facing a charge and appearing before a magistrates court.

Christie was summoned to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates Court.

There he pleaded guilty to throwing down, dropping or otherwise depositing a cigarette at Stakes Hill Road, Waterlooville.

The defendant, of Fairfield Avenue, Fareham, was fined £100 and ordered to pay a £32 victim surcharge and £155 court costs.