Seven people charged with hare coursing
The men were caught following reports of vehicles crossing rural land near Ludgershall
Last updated 1 hour ago
Police have charged seven men after reports of a group hare coursing in Wiltshire.
Officers responded to reports of three vehicles on rural land near Ludgershall in the early hours of yesterday morning (25 April).
One of the vehicles was later stopped following a police pursuit on the A303 in Hampshire, while another was found abandoned.
Seven people were arrested after the vehicles were found to contain dead hares, lurchers and equipment associated with poaching.
The following people have since been charged with being equipped for searching for or pursuing hares with dogs:
Paddy Cash, 20, of Watling Farm Close, Stanmore
Patrick Connors, 27, of Devonshire Green, Farnham Royal, Slough
Tommy Frankham, 21, of Sandy Lane, Bushey, Hertfordshire
John Nicholson, 20, of Northlands, Royston, Barnsley
Joseph Smith, 25, of Leatherhead, Surrey
Albert Smith, 25, of Woodstock Lane South, Chessington, Surrey
Nathan Smith, 18, of Chalfont Road, Chalfont Saint Giles
They have been bailed to appear before Salisbury Magistrates’ Court in August.
Superintendent Conway Duncan from Wiltshire Police said: “We recognise the impact crimes like hare coursing have on our rural and farming communities. We are committed to proactively policing these issues and will take robust action against those responsible.
“We rely on reports from the public to help us target our operational activity. If you see hare coursing taking place, ring 999 to report a crime in progress.”