ASHFORD BADGER BOUNTY HUNTERS MATTHEW MCWILLIAM, JETHRO SMITH AND HARRY NOBLE SENTENCED FOR CRUEL BLOOD SPORTS

In a significant crackdown on illegal blood sports, three men from the Ashford area—Matthew McWilliam, Jethro Smith, and Harry Noble—have been convicted and sentenced for their involvement in barbaric wildlife offences. The investigation, a joint effort between the RSPCA and Kent Police, uncovered disturbing evidence of their participation in cruel hunting activities that targeted badgers, foxes, and hares.

Matthew McWilliam, born on November 27, 1993, and residing at East View, Spitalfield Lane, New Romney TN28 8HQ, was identified as a key member of a large hunting group notorious for engaging in illegal blood sports. Jethro Smith, born on September 1, 1995, of 5 Plantation Close, Hothfield near Ashford TN26 1ED, and Harry Noble, born on November 2, 1995, of Stowting Court Barn, Stowting, Ashford TN25 6BA, were also implicated in these offences.

The investigation was triggered after authorities discovered a series of incriminating WhatsApp messages. These messages included graphic videos depicting dogs attacking a defenseless badger, along with numerous comments and photographs that documented offences against other wildlife such as foxes and hares. The messages revealed a disturbing pattern of illegal activities, with participants openly discussing their 'sport' and sharing footage of their dogs in action.

Special Operations Unit officer Pippa Boyd from the RSPCA explained that her team uncovered these messages while investigating another individual involved in wildlife offences in East Anglia. A warrant executed at Harry Noble’s residence in March 2019 resulted in the seizure of his phone, which contained further evidence of his involvement. The content included voice notes, messages, photos, and videos that explicitly showed dogs attacking badgers, foxes, and hares, confirming their participation in these illegal acts.

This evidence prompted authorities to execute additional warrants at properties in Ashford, Maidstone, and New Romney in October 2019. During these raids, four dogs—Ollie, Paddy, Tia, and Biscuit—were seized from the suspects’ homes. The dogs were later rehomed by the RSPCA, as their owners faced serious legal consequences.

Sergeant Darren Walshaw of Kent Police’s Rural Task Force emphasized the importance of collaboration with the RSPCA in tackling wildlife crime. He stated, “We work closely with the RSPCA on a range of animal welfare issues, providing support and evidence capture in order to assist them in securing convictions. In this case, an intelligence-led approach led to successful convictions for offences under the wildlife act. These individuals’ actions were not only criminal but barbaric and cruel. We are committed to working with the RSPCA to send a clear message that illegal blood sports will not be tolerated.”

Following their court appearances, all three men received sentences of four months in prison and were ordered to pay substantial costs—McWilliam £2,000, Smith £4,450, and Noble £2,000. Additionally, they were disqualified from owning or keeping any animals for life. McWilliam’s dogs—Poppy, Tia, and Ollie—were confiscated and are now being rehomed by the RSPCA. Smith’s dog Biscuit was also taken from him, and Noble was banned from keeping dogs for life.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and animal welfare organizations to combat illegal blood sports and protect wildlife from cruelty in the Ashford region and beyond.