Three men banned from agricultural land in England and Wales after hare coursing conviction
Trio received Criminal Behaviour Orders following investigation
Three men have been barred from accessing private and agricultural land across England and Wales as part of the fallout from a major hare coursing investigation.
Mark Harris Senior, 48, Mark Harris Junior, 21, both from Clay Lake, Spalding, and Tom Bower, 27, from Beck Bank, Gosberton Clough, Spalding, pleaded guilty to participating in a hare coursing event on 25th January 2025.
Their admissions were heard at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on 5th February.
The court issued them three-year Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) prohibiting the following actions:
The men are banned from entering any private or agricultural land in England and Wales without written consent from the landowner, which must be presented to police officers upon request.
They are also restricted from driving a vehicle with a sighthound breed dog beyond a five-mile radius from their home, except for pre-arranged veterinary appointments, or when traveling to land they own or rent; proof must be provided when requested.
Additionally, compensation has been ordered, with Bower and Harris Senior required to pay £1,000 each, and Harris Junior £500 to landowners.
This legal action follows a comprehensive investigation into hare coursing and related criminal activity that occurred on the 25th of January 2025.
The operation impacted communities across Cambridgeshire, including locations such as Fordham, Ely, and March, supported by various police forces and national crime units.
The investigation led to 43 arrests and 25 individuals facing a total of 39 charges.
Detective Inspector Matthew Selves, who spearheaded the probe, commented on the outcomes:
“Today’s outcome sends a strong message that hare coursing and the associated criminality will not be tolerated in our rural communities. These orders give us the powers we need to protect farmers and landowners, and to ensure those who cause harm are held to account.”