DERBY OFFENDERS RAPH STONE AND DOM PARKER CAUGHT ILLEGALLY HUNTING DEER AND HARES NEAR OAKWOOD AND CHADDESDEN

In a recent wildlife enforcement operation in Derby, two individuals, Raph Stone and Dom Parker, faced legal action after being caught engaging in illegal hunting activities involving dogs. The incident took place in the fields surrounding Park Farm and Morley Church, located north of the Oakwood area, on the 9th of April, 2024.

According to reports from Derbyshire police, officers responded to sightings of two men with dogs off their leads, actively hunting deer and hares in the rural outskirts of Derby. The officers arrived at the scene to find the suspects in the act of pursuing wildlife unlawfully. Raph Stone, who was identified as being from Hartcliffe Close, Oakwood, Derby, was observed attempting to flee the scene when police arrived. However, he was quickly detained after a brief pursuit.

Meanwhile, Dom Parker, believed to be around the age of 24 and residing on Michigan Close, Chaddesden, Derby, was found seated inside a parked vehicle nearby. During the search, officers discovered that Parker was in possession of two lock knives, which are considered dangerous weapons. The vehicle was registered to Parker, and the discovery of the knives led to additional charges against him.

Both men were arrested on the spot and taken into custody. They faced charges related to hunting wild mammals with dogs and trespassing with the intent to search for or pursue hares using dogs. Parker faced an extra charge for possessing the knives found in his vehicle.

When they appeared before the Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court, both individuals admitted to the charges against them. The court subsequently handed down sentences that reflected the seriousness of their actions. Raph Stone received a community order requiring him to complete 40 hours of unpaid work, along with a fine of £500 to cover costs and a victim surcharge of £114. Dom Parker was given a 17-week suspended prison sentence, meaning he would not serve time immediately but would be subject to the conditions of the suspension. Additionally, Parker was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work, pay costs of £585, and a victim surcharge of £154. The court also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the two lock knives found in Parker’s vehicle.

This case highlights ongoing efforts by Derbyshire authorities to combat illegal wildlife hunting and protect local fauna from persecution. The community and conservation groups continue to support law enforcement in their mission to prevent such unlawful activities and preserve the natural environment around Derby.