JOHN LANGAN, SHANE HOOTON, DEAN ADAMS & JOSEPH FOSTER CAUGHT IN EAST YORKSHIRE HARE COURSING SCANDAL IN GREAT AYTON, KNARESBOROUGH, STOKESLEY, AND WORKSOP

In a recent crackdown on illegal hare coursing activities across East Yorkshire, four men have faced legal consequences after admitting to offences related to trespassing and the use of dogs for hunting hares. The arrests and subsequent court proceedings have highlighted the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat this cruel and illegal practice that threatens local wildlife and community safety.

Among those convicted is John Langan, a 37-year-old resident of The Hawthorns in Great Ayton. Langan was sentenced to serve 12 weeks in prison, but this sentence was suspended for a period of 12 months, meaning he will not serve time unless he commits another offence within that year. Additionally, he was fined £239 as part of his punishment. The court also imposed a series of restrictions on Langan, including a prohibition from entering the areas where the offences occurred, which encompass parts of Great Ayton and surrounding regions. Furthermore, Langan was handed a 10-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) that covers all of England and Wales, with specific conditions aimed at preventing future offences involving dogs and trespassing.

In addition to the restrictions, Langan faced a driving disqualification for 56 days and was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid community service within a year. These measures are designed to serve as a deterrent and to reinforce the seriousness with which authorities view hare coursing, a practice that is both illegal and environmentally damaging.

Alongside Langan, two other men, Shane Hooton and Joseph Foster, were also brought before the court. Both Hooton and Foster were fined £785 each, along with additional costs and surcharges. Their arrests in December 2022 stemmed from their involvement in trespassing activities while in possession of dogs used for chasing hares, a key element of hare coursing. The court emphasized the police’s strong stance against such offences, underscoring the importance of deterrence through significant sentencing and legal measures.

The court’s decision included the issuance of a 10-year CBO for Hooton and a three-year CBO for Langan, reflecting the authorities’ commitment to preventing future offences and protecting wildlife. The case has garnered attention across the regions of Knaresborough, Stokesley, and Worksop, where these illegal activities are often reported and actively pursued by law enforcement agencies. The authorities have reiterated their dedication to eradicating hare coursing and ensuring that those involved are held accountable for their actions, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation and vigilance in tackling this persistent problem.