July 31, 2017 1.35 pm This story is over 79 months old

Two men convicted for hare coursing in Lincolnshire

Two men have been handed large fines in court for hare coursing offences in Lincolnshire. Michael Faulks, 32, of Fford Yr Odyn, Treuddyn, Flintshire and Alistair Ritchie, 39, of Swallow Dale, Thringstone, Leicestershire appeared before Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on Friday, July 29. They were charged with offences under the Game Act 1831 in relation to an…

Two men have been handed large fines in court for hare coursing offences in Lincolnshire.

Michael Faulks, 32, of Fford Yr Odyn, Treuddyn, Flintshire and Alistair Ritchie, 39, of Swallow Dale, Thringstone, Leicestershire appeared before Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on Friday, July 29.

They were charged with offences under the Game Act 1831 in relation to an allegation of hare coursing at Haconby Fen, near Bourne on February 11.

Following a trial, both men were convicted of trespass in the pursuit of game.

Faulks was fined £350 and Ritchie was fined £300. Prosecution costs of £372 each were awarded against both men, along with victim surcharges of £35 and £30 respectively.

An application for Criminal Behaviour Orders against both men is due to be heard in September.

Superintendent Mark Housley said: ‘Hare coursing has a significant impact on the victims and the wider rural community.

“We will continue to work hard with our partners and neighbouring forces to bring offenders to justice and to make Lincolnshire hostile to hare coursers.”