CHRIS BARKER SENTENCED IN SCARBOROUGH FOR DISTURBING DOLPHINS

Christopher Barker, born June 1977 and residing at Barker Rails Farm, Carr Lane, Brompton, Scarborough YO13 9DH, was convicted in 2022 for harassing a pod of dolphins by repeatedly circling them with his speedboat off the coast of Scarborough on July 9, 2021.

Barker, who is the director of All Game and Eggs Ltd and Chubby Eggs Ltd, aimed his small watercraft at a group of bottlenose dolphins. Witnesses reported that Barker, also a terrierman with the Derwent Hunt, reached speeds of up to 25 knots (about 30 mph) during the incident.

In his defence, Barker stated he had only owned the boat for a month and was unaware that dolphins are protected species. Prosecutor Geoff Ellis presented witness statements indicating that Barker's speedboat came within 20 to 30 meters of the dolphin group.

The witnesses described how the dolphins attempted to move further out to sea but were impeded, with some even splitting into two separate groups. Despite efforts from people on a nearby pier and a passing boat to attract Barker’s attention, it reportedly took about 10 minutes for him to stop.

Barker told police he had purchased the boat in June 2021 and lacked any training or experience handling it at sea. His solicitor explained that Barker was initially unaware of dolphin protections and admitted he had been "stupid rather than reckless".

The defendant also received social media backlash following the incident. His solicitor stated, "He has done something stupid, which he acknowledged and apologized for." Barker initially denied the offence but later admitted to intentionally and recklessly disturbing an endangered species.

District Judge Adrian Lower noted that this was the first case of its kind brought before the court, and he believed Barker had no understanding that his actions might constitute a criminal offence.

Barker was fined £200, with additional costs and surcharges totaling £334.