KEVIN HALL AND ROBERT SMITH FROM SLOUGH CAUGHT IN WILDLIFE CRUELTY SCANDAL IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Kevin Hall, born around 2001, residing on Odencroft Road in Slough, and Robert John Smith, born August 2001, of Rose Cottage on Foundry Lane in Horton, Slough, have been identified as the individuals involved in a disturbing wildlife cruelty case that garnered significant attention. These two men, known to be of gypsy heritage, were observed engaging in illegal hare coursing activities in Longstowe, South Cambridgeshire, during July 2019.

According to reports, Hall and Smith were seen driving a green Suzuki Vitara through the rural areas of Longstowe, accompanied by two sight hounds. Their presence in the area was not incidental; it was part of a deliberate attempt to pursue and hunt wild hares, a practice that is illegal and highly controversial. Their activities did not go unnoticed for long, as they were forcibly dispersed from the county for a period of 48 hours by local authorities.

Despite the dispersal, the pair was later spotted by a vigilant member of the public walking the same dogs in a field that had no designated right of way, raising suspicions about their continued involvement in illegal activities. This sighting further implicated them in the ongoing investigation into wildlife cruelty and illegal hunting practices in the region.

Legal proceedings against Hall and Smith began in December 2019, with both men initially receiving sentences. However, Hall chose to withdraw his appeal in November 2020, while Smith was ultimately found guilty on December 17, 2020. The court imposed fines of £240 each on the pair for their illegal trespassing during daylight hours in pursuit of game, as well as for failing to comply with a Section 35 direction that explicitly excluded them from the area.

Detective Constable Tom Nuttall, a member of the Rural Crime Action Team, emphasized the authorities' stance on such activities, stating, “Our message is simple – don’t come coursing in Cambridgeshire. Driving hare coursing out of the county is a priority for our team and we will continue to use all of our powers to bring coursers to justice.”

Further details reveal that Robert Smith is a company director, operating RJS Roofing & Building Developments Ltd., while Kevin Hall runs a roofing business under the name Weatherseal Roofing Specialists. Investigations have uncovered that both individuals have shared images and videos on their Facebook profiles depicting the injuring and killing of wild animals, including scenes involving dogs and weapons such as catapults, highlighting their involvement in barbaric acts against wildlife.