Four metal detectorists from Norfolk have been given suspended sentences after being found illegally using a metal detector at a protected Roman site.

The men were arrested after being spotted at the location of a first century fort under the cover of darkness by a passing rural police officer using a handheld thermal imaging camera.

Eastern Daily Press: The four Norfolk men caught after dark at protected site by police using thermal imagingThe four Norfolk men caught after dark at protected site by police using thermal imaging (Image: Crown Prosecution Service)

Eastern Daily Press: Baylham Roman Site is a first-century fort near Needham Market Baylham Roman Site is a first-century fort near Needham Market (Image: Newsquest)

Suffolk Magistrates' Court heard they had travelled from Norfolk to Baylham Roman Site, located beside the A14 north of Ipswich, on October 12 last year.

Police continued to monitor them covertly with Sergeant Brian Calver, who spotted them at 10.15pm, calling in the helicopter and dog units.

They were arrested on suspicion of using a metal detector on a site scheduled as an ancient monument.

READ MORE: Drones used to catch ‘nighthawkers’ stealing Norfolk’s hidden treasures

Bradley Ling, 24, of Pond Lane, Surlingham, Kyle Mickleburgh, 25, of Donchurch Close, Norwich, Michael Travell, 37, of Beverley Road, Norwich and Aaron Williams, 25, of Fleeters Hill, Hingham, all pleaded guilty in May.

Eastern Daily Press: Kyle Mickleburgh, 25, from Norwich, at Suffolk Magistrates CourtKyle Mickleburgh, 25, from Norwich, at Suffolk Magistrates Court (Image: East Anglia News Service)

They admitted using a metal detector in a protected place without the written consent, as well as going equipped for theft.

Williams also pleaded guilty to removing without written consent an object of archaeological/historical interest found using a metal detector in a protected place.

Appearing for sentence on June 28 the court heard when they realised they were being monitored all four tried to run and hide in the treeline, discarding their metal detectors which were later found by police.

Eastern Daily Press: Michael Travell, 37, from Norwich, at Suffolk Magistrates CourtMichael Travell, 37, from Norwich, at Suffolk Magistrates Court (Image: East Anglia News Service)

In his police interview, Travell described the attempted escape as "funny," saying he would have run across the A14 if he had known the police were pursuing him, whether there was oncoming traffic or not.

When made aware of the site's historical importance, he added: "We hit the jackpot then, didn't we boy? I will go back there tonight.

"It was left by the Romans, so no-one owns it."

Suffolk County Council's finds recording officer Anna Booth confirmed that the earliest finds were eight Roman coins, five of which were late Roman and could date back to as early as 275 AD.

Eastern Daily Press: Aaron Williams, 25, of Hingham, at Suffolk Magistrates CourtAaron Williams, 25, of Hingham, at Suffolk Magistrates Court (Image: East Anglia News Service)

So-called ‘nighthawking’ - illegal metal detecting under the cover of darkness - has increased at ancient and historic sites in East Anglia, which has more treasures unearthed than any other region in the UK.

READ MORE: Norfolk confirmed as the buried treasure capital of England

Drones and thermal image equipment is being used to protect historic Norfolk sites from thefts and damage by gangs.

A Historic England representative said the illegal removal of such artefacts could lead to the "irretrievable loss of information".

The defence for three of the men - Ling, Mickleburgh and Williams - said "they absolutely did not think through the consequences of their actions on the day in question".

Eastern Daily Press: Bradley Ling, 24, of Surlingham,m at Suffolk Magistrates CourtBradley Ling, 24, of Surlingham,m at Suffolk Magistrates Court (Image: East Anglia News Service)

Referring to a photograph found on one of the defendant's phones, the prosecution also noted that an "extremely rare" medieval gold ring worth £20-50,000 had never been recovered.

While not proved to be found at this location and not relating to the Magistrates' Court charges, they argue this shows the level of planning involved in this incident.

All four defendants have had their 16 weeks custody suspended for a period of 18 months, with a range of conditions including GPS tags for 90 days and a variety of rehabilitation activity requirements.

Each has been ordered to pay £399 compensation and the court also ordered the forfeiture of the coins and destruction of the metal detectors.

Eastern Daily Press: Suffolk Constabulary rural police officer Sergeant Brian CalverSuffolk Constabulary rural police officer Sergeant Brian Calver (Image: Charlotte Bond)

After the sentencing, Sergeant Calver said: "When we look at the evidence we had and the fact that we got an early guilty plea, obviously that has to be taken into consideration for the sentencing, on balance that's a really positive result.

"I hope that sends a strong message out to anyone else who thinks it's acceptable to come and steal our heritage under the cover of darkness."