Executive member for anti-social behaviour, Councillor June Leitch, said: "Our parks are very heavily used and enjoyed by people of all ages, from young children to older people. What no one wants to see is irresponsible people riding motorbikes through parks. Not only does it damage the grass and plants, someone could get badly injured or worse.

"Parks constabulary officers are patrolling parks and if anyone is caught riding their motorbikes illegally we will not hesitate to take legal action."

At Stratford Magistrates Gerald Bell, 20, of Alison Close, Beckton, pleaded guilty by post to riding a motorbike through the park. He was fined £300 plus £450 costs and £15 victim surcharge.

Saulius Kisielius, 28, formerly of Yeoman Close in Beckton pleaded guilty when he appeared at Stratford Magistrates' Court. He was fined £200 plus £579 costs and £15 victim surcharge. He also received six penalty points on his licence.

To report anti-social behaviour, call the council's anti-social behaviour hotline in confidence on freephone 0800 731 3300.