A serial egg collector has been banned from travelling to Scotland during the breeding season after being jailed for stealing hundreds of rare birds' eggs.

The anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) against Matthew Gonshaw marks the first time such an order has been given for crimes against nature.

For the next ten years Gonshaw will be prohibited from visiting Scotland between February and August because of his repeated trips in the past to steal eggs from the nests of golden eagles, ospreys and other protected species.

He was jailed for six months last December after admitting stealing hundreds of rare eggs, in what was his fourth prison sentence for such an offence.

He is also prevented from visting any RSPB or Wildlife Trust property for the next ten years.

The RSPB welcomed the sentence, which was handed down at Stratford Magistrates' Court.

Gonshaw, from Bow in east London, could be fined up to £20,000 and jailed for five years if he breaches the conditions of his Asbo.

RSPB spokesman Mark Thomas said the organisation was "delighted" with the outcome of the case.

He said: "Matthew Gonshaw has become a serial menace to birds, targeting the eggs of some of our rarest birds, such as avocet, red kite and peregrine falcon. Over decades he has plundered hundreds of birds' nests for a selfish desire to add to his egg collection."