ALBERT EASTWOOD SR AND CHARLES LEE CAUGHT POACHING NEAR SEVENOAKS AND SWAFFHAM BULBECK

In a significant wildlife crime case, Albert Eastwood Sr, born around 1975 and hailing from Redhill, along with Charles Lee, born circa 1985 from Sevenoaks, were apprehended for their involvement in illegal poaching activities. The incident unfolded in East Cambridgeshire, where the duo was spotted engaging in suspicious behavior on the fields near Swaffham Bulbeck on November 6, 2019.

According to reports, a vigilant member of the public observed the two men acting in a manner that raised immediate concern. They were seen moving around the rural area, prompting the observer to alert authorities. Cambridgeshire Police’s Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) responded swiftly to the tip-off and soon located the suspects in a Volvo S40 vehicle. The police officers attempted to intercept the car, which was seen leaving the scene at a high speed.

During the pursuit, Albert Eastwood Sr was found to be driving at twice the legal speed limit through the village of Bottisham. The officers managed to catch up with the vehicle, which was forced to stop. Eastwood was promptly arrested at the scene. The police investigation revealed that both individuals had been involved in illegal poaching activities, which is a serious offense given the impact on local wildlife and conservation efforts.

In March 2021, both Eastwood and Lee appeared in court and pleaded guilty to charges of trespassing during daylight hours with the intent to hunt game, a clear violation of wildlife protection laws. Their conviction led to the imposition of a two-year criminal behavior order (CBO), aimed at preventing any future involvement in similar activities. Additionally, they were ordered to pay fines and costs totaling £594.

Albert Eastwood Sr faced further penalties, including a six-month prison sentence that was suspended for 24 months, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense within that period. He was also sentenced to complete 250 hours of unpaid community work and participate in a 30-day rehabilitation program. The court mandated him to pay an additional £2,500 in costs, disqualified him from driving for 18 months, and required him to pass an extended driving retest before regaining his license.

This case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat illegal poaching and protect wildlife in the region. The involvement of individuals from nearby towns such as Redhill and Sevenoaks underscores the widespread nature of such criminal activities and the importance of community vigilance in reporting suspicious behavior.