A respected farming conservationist and broadcaster Chris Skinner told a court he was abandoning his appeal to get his shotgun licence back from Norfolk police after a judge called for a 'compromise' to be reached.

Mr Skinner, 67, who farms at High Ash Farm, at Caistor St Edmund, near Norwich, and has his own regular slot on Radio Norfolk, dealing with conservation and countryside issues, had his firearms certificate revoked by police after two incidents in April, last year, when he was involved in confrontations with people trespassing on his land.

Norwich Crown Court heard that on the first occasion, Mr Skinner made a citizen's arrest of a driver he believed was joyriding on his land, and smashed the windscreen and side window of the car with a spade to stop the driver getting away, while he waited for police to arrive.

The court heard he was also involved in a second confrontation, a couple of weeks later, with three young teenagers, who were riding trail bikes through his woodland, which is full of wildflowers and used by dog walkers and horse riders from his livery yard. During the incident one of the bikes was damaged by Mr Skinner's truck, which he claimed was an accident, and he paid £600 compensation, although no further action was taken.

John Morgans, appearing on behalf of the assistant chief constable, said Mr Skinner had his licence revoked in October 8, last year: 'Clearly he is very passionate about his land.'

However he said police thought Mr Skinner had acted 'unreasonably' on the two occasions and decided to revoke his licence and take his firearms away.

However Mr Skinner appealed the decision as he said he had been the victim, not the perpetrator.

He said that there was public access for walkers on his land, which is a haven for wildlife, and it was also used by horse riders from his livery yard and felt it was his responsibility to keep them safe.

He said that incidents such as people riding bikes through the woods was a 'disaster waiting to happen.'

Mr Skinner said there were clear signs on the farm to say there should be no vehicles on the land and said his military training meant that he used to giving a 'quick response' to difficult situations.

He said when police arrived to take his guns, they were safely locked away and said he kept his firearms solely for the humane despatch of injured birds or animals, as there was no game shooting on the farm.

He said: 'I understand caution and care being taken by police, but I am no Tony Martin.'

He said that during both confrontations at no point were firearms ever mentioned and said he would never threaten anyone with a firearm.

'I feel little consideration has been given to my own character, personal situation, history and experience.'

Judge Stephen Holt, who was hearing the appeal, said he had great sympathy for Mr Skinner and said the conservation work he did at his farm was a 'jewel in the crown' of the Norfolk countryside and instead suggested that a compromise of some sort could be agreed between both parties.

Mr Skinner then agreed that he would relinquish his bid to have his firearms licence back and instead his son, who now is taking over the running of the farm, would apply for a licence at a later date so the guns, some of which have been in the family for generations, can be returned, but would no longer held by Mr Skinner.

Judge Holt told Mr Skinner he was a 'thoroughly decent man' and praised the good conservation work he has undertaken.

Mr Morgans on behalf of the police said in the light of the decision there would be no application for the costs of the hearing made against Mr Skinner.