Martin Gray fined for hare coursing

Martin Gray (35) of Delamere Road, Rochdale was one of 11 defendants who appeared at Beverley Magistrates Court charged with hare coursing on 16 March.

Gray, who pleaded guilty, received a £150 fine, £30 surcharge, £85 costs and a Criminal Behaviour Order for three years.

The offences took place in the East Riding between October and December 2016.

Humberside Police Force Wildlife & Rural Crime Officer, Julie Turrell said “Hare coursing remains a major problem in our area during the winter months.

“Through joint working between Police and a dedicated CPS Wildlife Crime Prosecutor we are able to ensure continuity from offence to prosecution at court; sending out a clear message that this type of activity will be dealt with robustly in the Humberside Police area.”

The manager of the Antisocial Behaviour Team at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Nigel Brignall, said: “The East Riding of Yorkshire Council fully support action taken to protect our rural communities and will continue to work with colleagues at Humberside Police to ensure people who choose to come to the East Riding to behave in this manner are stopped from doing so in the future.”

Highlights of the Criminal Behaviour Order issued

The defendant is prohibited from:

Entering the Humberside Police area, except for the purposes of travelling to or from the ferry terminal at Hull and when travelling with pre-booked tickets to Humberside Airport to catch an aeroplane.

Acting, or encourage others to act, in any behaviour that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to others, anywhere in Humberside Police Area.

Remaining in a group of two or more persons in any outdoor space or public place within Humberside Police area where that group or any individuals within that group cause harassment, alarm or distress to others.

The defendant must: have any sight hound in his ownership microchipped to the defendant’s correct address.