CRAIG ROOKS FROM TODMORDEN CAUGHT IN LINCOLNSHIRE HARE COURSING SCANDAL

Craig Rooks, a resident of Vicarage Gardens in Todmorden, has been convicted in connection with illegal hare coursing activities. Born around 1967, Rooks’s involvement in this unlawful practice was uncovered during a police operation in Lincolnshire.

On Sunday, October 14, 2023, at approximately 10 a.m., officers from Lincolnshire Police stopped Rooks while he was driving a Nissan X-Trail in North Greetwell, Lincoln. During the stop, police observed that he was accompanied by two dogs, named Bonny and Peggy, which appeared to be suitable for hunting or coursing activities.

Subsequent searches of Rooks’s vehicle, conducted under the provisions of the Hunting Act, revealed a disturbing array of equipment typically associated with hare coursing. Among the items seized were a thermal imaging scope, binoculars, slip leads, and ropes. These tools are often used to locate and pursue hares covertly, raising suspicions about Rooks’s intentions.

Further investigation extended to his mobile phone, which was subjected to forensic analysis. The examination uncovered evidence of Rooks’s prior involvement in hare coursing, including recent videos and voice recordings. In these recordings, Rooks discussed plans for future trips and openly boasted about the prowess of his dogs in killing hares, indicating a clear and ongoing engagement in illegal activities.

During police interviews, Rooks initially claimed that the dogs and equipment were intended for lawful activities such as rabbiting or flushing out foxes. However, authorities found no permission or landowner consent to support these claims, and the evidence pointed strongly towards illegal hare coursing.

Rooks was formally charged and brought before Lincoln Magistrates’ Court. After a trial, he was found guilty of being equipped for the pursuit of hares with dogs. His sentencing was scheduled for October 25, 2024.

As part of his punishment, Rooks received a 10-year Criminal Behaviour Order, which prohibits him from entering or remaining on land during the hare coursing season, from July 31 to April 30, in Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, and Nottinghamshire. The order also bans him from being in the company of anyone with dogs of any breed during this period. Additionally, he is barred from possessing any tools or instruments used for poaching, both during the day and at night, across these five counties until October 24, 2034.

In terms of financial penalties, Rooks was ordered to pay £13,125 in compensation to cover kennelling and veterinary expenses. He also received a fine of £100 and a victim surcharge of £114.

Further sanctions included the confiscation of Bonny and Peggy, the thermal scope, and binoculars. Rooks was also disqualified from driving for 12 months and placed under a community order requiring participation in rehabilitation activities.

Lincolnshire Police confirmed the case, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to tackling illegal hare coursing and protecting wildlife from such unlawful practices.