MORE than 250 people were arrested across Hampshire in a blitz on fine dodgers, it was revealed today.

Teams of police officers and court officials targeted people who had failed to pay court fines as part of a two-week crackdown called Operation Payback 4.

Lawbreakers could either settle the debt on the doorstep or face another court appearance and risk a prison term for the non-payment of fines.

Of the 256 people arrested for fine dodging, 107 people were able to pay up on the spot - leading to the recovery of £38,000.

A further 147 people were taken to court and managed to negotiate a payment deal which equated to the recovery of a further £99,000 of debt.

Those who couldn't or wouldn't pay were jailed and 11 people are today beginning prison terms totally 332 days for non-payment of £11,303 in fines.

Her majesty's Court Service area warrant unit Manager Audrey Glass said: "The courts are determined that fines and compensation payments to victims of crime will be collected, and those who have skipped bail are arrested.