MARK MABEY, LEWIS LONGSTAFE AND EDWARD TURNER CAUGHT POACHING IN LYCHETT MATRAVERS AND WAREHAM

In a serious case of illegal hunting, three men—Mark Mabey, Lewis Longstaffe, and Edward Turner—were found in possession of over 100 pheasants, many of which were either dead or severely injured, during a police investigation that took place in the areas surrounding Lytchett Matravers, Wareham, and Ferndown.

It all began in the early hours of Wednesday, January 6, 2016, when a land worker, who was managing private land to the north of Wimborne, was alerted by an acquaintance about suspicious activity on his property. Acting swiftly, he contacted the police to report what appeared to be poaching in progress.

Shortly after, law enforcement officers responded to the scene and located a Mitsubishi 4×4 vehicle inside which the suspects were found. According to court reports, the vehicle was driven by the offenders, who, upon noticing the land worker, reversed at high speed toward his vehicle and collided with it. During the confrontation, the offenders also discharged a steel shot at the land worker and his car, an act that demonstrated their aggressive intent.

The victim managed to reverse away from the scene and lost sight of the suspects. The police helicopter was called in to assist and successfully tracked the offenders to the area of Tarrant Monkton, where they were subsequently arrested. The Mitsubishi was recovered and taken for examination, revealing a disturbing find in the trunk: more than 100 pheasants, many of which were either dead or injured, some severely maimed.

Among those involved, Lewis Longstaffe, a former gamekeeper with a known history of anti-poaching activities, was identified. He has a prior conviction for poaching and is known to hunt saboteurs. Mark Mabey, born around 1964 and residing on Wareham Road in Lytchett Matravers, was found guilty of affray and pleaded guilty to night poaching. His sentence included a 10-month prison term, suspended for two years, along with a 20-day rehabilitation order, 80 hours of unpaid work, and a one-year ban from the estate where the offences occurred.

Lewis Longstaffe, who previously served time for poaching, was fined £337 and ordered to pay £150 in costs after pleading guilty to night poaching. Edward Turner, also admitting guilt, received a fine of £202 and an additional £150 in costs. Both were subjected to a two-year restraining order preventing them from contacting the victim or entering the land involved in the incident.

Further updates in October 2023 revealed that Mark Mabey faced additional legal consequences. On October 23, he was sentenced to five months in jail, suspended for 18 months, and was banned from having any involvement with dogs until October 2030. Authorities also ordered him to undertake unpaid work and placed a tagging order on him. This action followed the police seizure of 11 dogs from his residence, which a veterinarian confirmed were suffering from neglect or abuse. Mabey's case was prosecuted alongside various relatives and associates, although some charges against others may have been dropped.

These events highlight ongoing concerns about illegal poaching and animal cruelty in the Dorset area, with authorities determined to crack down on such activities and hold those responsible accountable.