NELSON LOVERIDGE, STACEY SMITH, DANNY RAINFORD AND TERRY SMITH CAUGHT IN PETERBOROUGH HARE COURTING SCANDAL

In a significant crackdown on illegal hare coursing activities, four individuals with deep roots in the Peterborough area have been brought to justice for their involvement in this illicit activity. Nelson Loveridge, Stacey Smith, Danny Rainford, and Terry Smith, all known to law enforcement authorities, recently pleaded guilty to charges related to being equipped for hare coursing, a cruel and illegal practice that continues to threaten wildlife and disrupt rural communities.

Nelson Loveridge, born around 1985 and residing at 3 Maltmas Road in Friday Bridge, Wisbech PE14 9HR, was among those convicted. Stacey Smith, born circa 1984 and living at Baulkins Drove, Sutton St James, Spalding PE12 0JU, also faced charges. Danny Rainford, born approximately in 1990 and based at Seadyke Caravan Park on Seadyke Road in Wisbech St Mary, PE13 4XF, was similarly implicated. Terry Smith, born around 1983 and residing on Oxney Road in Peterborough PE1, appeared via video link during the proceedings. All four men are identified as landscape gardeners by trade, but their criminal records include previous convictions for poaching, highlighting a pattern of illegal wildlife activities.

Their arrest was carried out by Lincolnshire Police Rural Crime officers following a brief but intense pursuit in the Eastern Road area of Spalding on November 9, 2022. The police had initially responded to reports of a suspected hare coursing incident nearby. During the pursuit, a grey Volkswagen vehicle, which was unregistered, uninsured, and lacked an MOT, attempted to escape but was eventually abandoned in Flag Lane, Whaplode Drove. Inside the vehicle, officers discovered a number of recently-killed hares, a clear indication of illegal activity. Prosecutor Kate Minihane confirmed that a dog handler traced the suspects to a nearby location, further linking them to the crime.

Investigations revealed that a download from Terry Smith’s phone indicated a hare coursing event on the day of the arrest, although the exact location could not be pinpointed. Police also seized three dogs from the suspects, which were kept in kennels at significant public expense. These dogs belonged to Loveridge, Rainford, and Stacey Smith, and have since been forfeited and rehomed. A fourth dog was also seized, but no owner claimed responsibility for it. The police’s efforts to gather evidence included the use of a dog handler, underscoring the seriousness of the case.

Sentencing for the four men included a four-month prison sentence suspended for two years, a five-year criminal behavior order prohibiting them from entering Lincolnshire during the hare coursing season, and restrictions on being on land with sight hounds or in the company of anyone with such dogs without permission. Additionally, they faced a six-month driving disqualification. All items associated with the offence, including their vehicle and dogs, were forfeited. Loveridge, Smith, and Rainford were ordered to pay a total of £3,586 to cover kennelling costs and each received a fine of £239. Furthermore, they are disqualified from keeping dogs for five years, with this ban set to expire in July 2028.

This case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat illegal wildlife crimes in the Peterborough and wider Lincolnshire region, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and strict enforcement to protect rural ecosystems and prevent cruelty to animals.