Three people have been sentenced after pleading guilty to hare coursing in a field near Sevington, near Chippenham.
Henry Janes, 18, of Cherry Hinton, Pontypool, Jamie Janes, 24, of Rumney, Cardiff, and a 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 9th February. They each admitted trespassing with intent to search for or pursue hares with dogs.
The incident occurred shortly before midnight on 15th October, when witnesses reported seeing a 4x4 enter a field with three men, three dogs, and lamps. Police attended and found a Mercedes containing the three males. Searches revealed three lurcher dogs in cages and seven dead hares. The individuals were arrested and later charged.
Sentences handed down included:
-
Jamie Janes: £300 fine, £500 compensation, £120 surcharge, £85 CPS costs, and a 12-month exclusion from Wiltshire except for passing through on the M4 or authorised diversions.
-
Henry Janes: 12-month conditional discharge and £26 surcharge.
-
The 14-year-old: six-month conditional discharge and £20 surcharge.
PC Adam Neish praised local residents for their vigilance, which helped police identify the offenders quickly. He said: “Hare coursing is a cruel and illegal act. We are committed to pursuing offenders, protecting rural communities and ensuring those responsible face the full force of the law.”
Want to know what’s on in Calne? Visit our local events page for listings and to find out how to add your own events for free. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news. Have you got a story for us? Email editor@calnenews.com or contact us here.
