JOSEPH SMITH, MICHAEL TOOGOOD AND BEN EVANS CAUGHT HARE COURSING IN STOURPORT AND OXFORDSHIRE

In a recent crackdown on illegal hare coursing activities, three men from different parts of the country have been convicted for their involvement in this unlawful practice. The offenders, Joseph Smith from Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, along with Michael Toogood from Market Drayton, Shropshire, and Ben Evans from Ryton near Shrewsbury, Shropshire, were found guilty of trespassing with the intent to hunt hares using dogs.

Joseph Smith, born around 1984 and residing at Lower Heath Caravan Park on Watery Lane in Stourport-on-Severn, was among those prosecuted. He shares a history with fellow hare-coursing enthusiast Michael Mongan, with whom he has shared memories of their illicit activities. Smith’s involvement in the case highlights the ongoing issues of illegal wildlife pursuits in the region.

Michael Toogood, born circa 1996 and living at The Paddocks on Warrant Road in Stoke on Tern, Market Drayton, was also convicted. Toogood’s participation in hare coursing is part of a broader pattern of such offences in the area, which authorities have been actively trying to curb.

Ben Evans, born around 1999 and residing at Pigeon Door in Ryton, near Shrewsbury, was also implicated. Evans has a prior record related to dog cruelty, which he committed alongside his wife, Alexandra Evans. Their previous convictions add a troubling dimension to their current offence.

The incident in question took place on October 28, 2022, when the three men trespassed onto farmland in Letcombe Bassett, Wantage, Oxfordshire. During the illegal activity, they were found with four lurcher-type dogs, which they intended to use in their pursuit of hares. The trespass and hunting activity were carried out with the clear intent of hunting wildlife unlawfully.

Following their guilty plea on February 21, 2023, the trio was sentenced to pay fines. Each man was fined £500, with additional costs of £85 and a surcharge of £200. The case was prosecuted by Thames Valley Police, highlighting the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat wildlife crime and protect local ecosystems from illegal hunting practices.

Local authorities and conservation groups continue to monitor and take action against such illegal activities, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding wildlife and maintaining lawful hunting practices in the region.