Three individuals have been sentenced for engaging in hare coursing activities in Lincolnshire. At Boston Magistrates’ Court, they admitted to trespassing with the intent to hunt hares using dogs and possessing equipment for such pursuits.
Each offender was fined £1,000 and issued criminal behaviour orders (CBOs) that prohibit their entry into the county with dogs. PC Phil McAllister noted that the convictions were secured under legislation enacted in 2022.
“Our stance is unequivocal: Lincolnshire is not a haven for hare coursing,” McAllister stated. “The rural community is fed up and collaborates closely with us to report, document, and provide evidence against those committing these offences. We are employing cutting-edge technology, including advanced vehicles and drones, to apprehend individuals engaged in this cruel practice and causing property damage.”
The incidents occurred at Kirton Fen, near Boston, in January, with sentencing handed down on July 31. Michael Ward, 18, of Charnwood Avenue, Sutton Bonington, Nottinghamshire; Roman Fura, 59, of Dominion Road, Glenfield, near Leicester; and John-Paul Ward, 22, of Abbey Road, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, each received five-year CBOs and were ordered to pay £485 in costs and surcharges.