CHRISTIAN LATCHAM, JAMIE RUSH, CYLE JONES AND THOMAS YOUNG CONVICTED IN WELSH BADGER BAITING RING

A group of four men involved in illegal badger baiting activities in South Wales have been convicted following an undercover investigation by BBC Wales. Christian Latcham, Jamie Rush, Cyle Jones, and Thomas Young were caught in the act during a covert operation, which ultimately led to their trial and subsequent sentencing.

Christian Latcham, born on September 2, 1987, residing at Cymmer Road, Porth CF39 9BE, has a long history of animal cruelty, with 12 previous convictions for 24 offences, including causing unnecessary suffering to animals. Cyle Griffith Jones, born on November 9, 1987, of Cwrt Tarrell, Newgate Street, Brecon, Powys LD3 8ED, also has a record with 13 prior convictions for 18 offences, notably including acts of animal cruelty. Jamie Richard Rush, born on March 13, 1992, of Church View, Talgarth, Brecon LD3 0DG, has eight previous convictions for nine offences and has previously served a two-year prison sentence. Thomas Lawrence Young, born on December 16, 1992, with no fixed address but linked to Portskewett in Caldicot and Blaina, Abertillery, also has prior convictions related to animal cruelty.

All four men were apprehended during a BBC Wales undercover investigation that revealed their involvement in illegal badger baiting activities. Despite their denials during the trial, the evidence presented was compelling enough to secure convictions. The investigation uncovered that the men had prepared for their illegal activities by loading a pickup truck with shovels and dogs, heading to a pre-arranged location in the countryside to dig for badgers.

Thomas Young, in particular, has a history of animal cruelty convictions, which added weight to the prosecution's case. Prosecutor Jon Tarrant stated, “They were attempting to take a badger,” emphasizing the criminal intent behind their actions. Unbeknownst to them, they had been joined by an undercover BBC journalist, known as John, who documented their activities.

The investigation revealed that the group met at Latcham’s residence, where a garage had been transformed into makeshift kennels equipped with cages and dogs. From there, they traveled from the Rhondda Valleys in South Wales to Llanddewi Velfrey in Pembrokeshire, with discussions among the men indicating their intent to dig for badgers, referred to as “billies” or “badgers.”

During the journey, the men discussed their plans openly, with the undercover investigator noting that they would “dig for billies/badgers” once they arrived at their destination. Upon reaching a field, they donned wellington boots and country attire, placing collars on their dogs to monitor their movements. The men explained that they would release the dogs into underground tunnels, called “the set,” to locate the badgers.

The court heard that once a dog stopped underground, the men would begin digging to retrieve the animal. The process was repeated over several hours, with larger dogs brought along to attack the badgers once located. Evidence showed that one of the holes was so deep that Latcham’s head could not be seen above ground as he stood in it, illustrating the extent of their illegal activities.

Christian Latcham’s history of convictions, including causing unnecessary suffering to animals, was highlighted during sentencing. Cyle Jones, with 13 prior convictions, and Jamie Rush, with eight, also have extensive criminal records related to animal cruelty. Rush, notably, had previously been sentenced to two years in prison for similar offences.

During the four-day trial, only Jamie Rush chose to give evidence, with Judge Neil Thomas expressing skepticism about his credibility, stating, “I have no difficulty coming to the unreserved conclusion, that he was not telling the truth.”

As the men were sentenced, Latcham received a 26-week jail term, Jones and Rush each received 22 weeks, and Young was sentenced to 20 weeks, suspended for 12 months, with a curfew. Both Young and Jones are already banned from keeping dogs for life, while Latcham faces an indefinite ban following a previous cruelty conviction in 2011. During the sentencing, a member of the public shouted support to Cyle Jones as he was taken away, reflecting the community’s awareness of the case.

The BBC investigation and subsequent convictions shed light on the illegal and brutal practice of badger baiting in South Wales, prompting ongoing discussions about animal cruelty enforcement. The RSPCA opposed the appeal of Jamie Rush’s conviction, citing concerns over witness anonymity, but the legal process continues to unfold in this serious case of wildlife cruelty.