Three sentenced for hare coursing near Chippenham
Police caught them with three dogs and seven dead hares in a car near Sevington last October
Three people have been sentenced after pleading guilty to hare coursing near Chippenham.
Henry Janes, an 18-year-old from Cherry Hinton, Pontypool, Jamie Janes, a 24-year-old from Rumney, Cardiff, and a 14-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on 9th February.
They all pleaded guilty to trespassing with intent to search for or pursue hares with dogs.
The charges relate to an incident shortly before midnight on 15th October, when witnesses reported seeing a 4x4 vehicle entering a field near Sevington with three males inside, accompanied by three dogs and lamps.
Police were called to the scene and located a Mercedes vehicle with three males inside.
A search of the vehicle revealed three lurcher dogs in cages, along with seven dead hares.
The males were arrested and later charged.
Jamie Janes has been issued with an exclusion requirement, preventing him from entering Wiltshire except for passing through on the M4 or authorized diversions, for a 12-month period.
He was also fined £300, ordered to pay £500 in compensation, a £120 surcharge, and £85 in CPS costs.
Henry Janes received a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay a £26 surcharge.
The 14-year-old was given a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay a £20 surcharge.
PC Adam Neish said: “Thanks to the vigilance of local residents, we were able to identify the offenders quickly and prevent further offending taking place.
"I am pleased they’ve been put before the courts for their actions. Hare coursing is a cruel and illegal act and we are committed to pursuing offenders, protecting rural communities and ensuring that those responsible face the full force of the law.”