pastime

He said going to a record store was "a nice pastime".

The spokesperson added: "However, it is also the case that catapults are also routinely used by members of the public enjoying legitimate pastimes, in particular for anglers when propelling fishing bait."

Playing video games, of which Rice is said to be the squad standard-bearer, remains a popular pastime.

"We have a massive dependence on social media that has taken us away from more social pastimes," he argues.

"These are criminals and in their pastime this is their sport of choice", with the majority of those caught being linked to a wide range of other serious and organised crime, he added.