OLLIE FINNEGAN'S ILLEGAL FOX HUNTING IN MELTON MOWBRAY AND NORTHWICH REVEALED

Ollie Finnegan, a man with a long history of involvement in fox hunting, has recently been at the center of a serious legal case that has brought to light his illegal activities in the countryside around Melton Mowbray and Northwich. Born on August 13, 1985, Finnegan was previously associated with the Quorn Hunt Kennels located on Gaddesby Lane in Melton Mowbray, a well-known hub for traditional fox hunting activities. However, his recent residence has been on Kennel Lane in Northwich, where he has continued his pursuits as a huntsman for the Cheshire Hunt based in Sandiway.

Finnegan’s conviction stems from a series of illegal fox hunts carried out on January 7, 2022, near Hartpury, Gloucestershire. The incident was uncovered during a joint meet involving the Quorn Hunt from Leicestershire and the Ledbury Hunt from Gloucestershire. This meet took place less than two weeks after the Ledbury Hunt’s master, David Redvers, publicly declared that his hunt was committed solely to trail hunting, which is a legal activity. The contrast between this statement and the evidence against Finnegan has raised questions about the integrity of some hunts claiming to operate within the law.

Key evidence against Finnegan was obtained through the seizure of his mobile phone by officers from Leicestershire Police. Investigators discovered dozens of WhatsApp messages and videos that detailed his involvement in illegal fox hunting activities. These messages, some of which were shared during court proceedings, reveal direct communication with other huntsmen about hunting foxes. In one exchange, a person asked Finnegan, “How’d you get on at Ledbury today?” to which he responded, “Only found a brace [of foxes]. First one went to ground, The second went 5 fields to a real thick cover which we weren’t allowed in and had to stop [the hounds].”

The messages also include comments from a hunt master expressing familiarity with the area’s fox population, saying, “used to be full of them round there! Had my best days around there.” On another occasion, Finnegan reported, “Found 2 brace [foxes] seen another 2 brace, very busy all night. Hounds hunted well considering the heat.” These communications clearly indicate that Finnegan was actively involved in illegal hunting, despite the public stance of some hunts claiming to adhere to legal trail hunting practices.

In addition to the messages, authorities uncovered numerous videos and other digital evidence on Finnegan’s phone, although only a small portion was presented in court. Following his conviction, a spokesperson for the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) confirmed that Finnegan, a current member of the organization, had pleaded guilty to illegal hunting. The BHSA emphasized that it does not condone such activities and has referred the matter to the Hound Sports Regulatory Authority (HSRA) for disciplinary action.

Finnegan’s personal life also came under scrutiny, as he is married to Rachel Finnegan, who hunts independently, and they have two children. The case has garnered support from animal welfare groups, including Lynn Sawyer of the Three Counties Hunt Saboteurs, who expressed satisfaction that the Hunting Act was enforced in this instance. Sawyer stated, “Three counties sabs are pleased that the Hunting Act has been enforced in this case. Along with Herefordshire hunt sabs, we attended the joint Quorn/Ledbury meet to protect foxes and we will continue to sab fox hunts until they stop harming wildlife.”

For his actions, Finnegan was fined £656. The case was widely covered by media outlets such as ITV News, the Hunt Saboteurs Association, and the Mirror. It is noteworthy that Finnegan’s history of illegal hunting extends beyond this recent conviction. In March 2021, he was accused of participating in an illegal hunt in Breedon on the Hill, North West Leicestershire, alongside Rhys Matcham, born August 1991, of Badminton, South Gloucestershire. Both defendants pleaded not guilty and faced trial in August 2021, but they were ultimately found not guilty after the Crown Prosecution Service accepted that the evidence was insufficient for a conviction.

Despite this setback, Finnegan’s legal troubles persisted. In August 2022, Rhys Matcham, now affiliated with the Beaufort Hunt, faced new charges of hunting a wild animal with a dog in Brokenborough, Malmesbury. He and another defendant, Matthew Ramsden, 35, pleaded not guilty to the charges, which involved video evidence of hounds chasing a fox. The trial was scheduled to take place at Swindon Magistrates’ Court later that year.

Most recently, in August 2023, Finnegan was convicted in his absence after failing to attend court for a third time. He was sentenced to the maximum fine of £1,000 for each of the two counts of illegal hunting. Additionally, he was ordered to pay court costs and was subjected to a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order, which restricts him from hunting with more than ten hounds. Reports from the Hunt Saboteurs indicate that Finnegan has since relocated to Ireland, where foxhunting is legal, effectively ending his involvement in illegal activities in the UK.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the enforcement of the Hunting Act and the persistence of illegal fox hunting practices in the UK, despite numerous legal restrictions and public opposition. The authorities continue to pursue those involved in such activities, aiming to uphold wildlife protection laws and prevent cruelty to animals.