The destruction of a monitoring device overseeing a coastal area where residents have been barred by its French proprietors for almost two decades has been branded an act of gross stupidity.

Michael Tuson, aged 44, travelled to West Beach in Newhaven and discharged an air rifle at the device on June 24.

The shoreline has witnessed demonstrations and criminal damage in recent weeks, with townspeople denied entry by the French corporation that has owned it since 2008.

A judicial figure termed the shooting, which resulted in £5,000 of harm, an act of gross stupidity.

His Honour Judge Stephen Mooney observed that the occurrence had gained notoriety locally.

Tuson, from Bromley in southeast London, admitted to firing the device and possessing an imitation firearm in a public area.

His counsel Chris Judson contended that the shooting was an impulsive, careless act.

However, Judge Mooney disagreed with this characterisation. He noted that there had been considerable media coverage about the incident. The judge further stated that Tuson drove to the location, aimed carefully, and appeared to be an accurate marksman, attempting to disable the device but failing. Judge Mooney clarified that he was not suggesting Tuson was a criminal mastermind, but the act was not impulsive. The judge also stated that the air rifle would not be returned to him despite being a family heirloom.

Members of the public have been blocked from entering the beach since 2008.

The beach, one of the limited sandy stretches in Sussex, was invaded by approximately 100 individuals last month after an angle grinder was deployed to cut through gate locks.

It is managed by Newhaven Port and Properties, which is controlled by public organisations in Seine-Maritime in northern France.

The beach was shut for safety purposes in 2008 and has remained inaccessible since, despite repeated requests for public access.

Tuson had knowledge of the beach protests and the court was informed that he was residing in his van.

Police managed to trace his van after examining recordings from the device.

He was subsequently taken into custody after the vehicle was observed in Eastbourne and held on suspicion of criminal damage.

Prosecutor Puneet Grewal stated that Tuson discharged the weapon through a window in the van. He explained that footage shows Tuson left his van, examined the device and then returned to the vehicle. The device malfunctioned and went dark.

Tuson received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to pay a £500 fine.

Sussex reservoir levels have dropped significantly during the driest July on record.

Travellers have departed a village green following police enforcement action.

A fast-food worker has been prohibited from driving after colliding while over the legal alcohol limit.

Following the shooting, more than £2,500 was collected to assist with replacing the device, which is managed by the volunteer-run organisation National Coastwatch Institution Newhaven.

The charity oversees over 60 monitoring stations along the British coastline to help protect swimmers, paragliders, and sailors.

Sussex Police has announced collaboration with the port authority and the local council to provide crime prevention guidance and help reduce the likelihood of additional incidents.

Local MP James MacCleary previously introduced legislation in parliament, attempting to secure the beach’s reopening.