SCOTT HAYES AND CHRISTOPHER DARWIN CONVICTED OF WILDLIFE OFFENCES IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE

Scott Hayes, born on February 16, 1989, of Blakewood Drive, Blaxton, Doncaster DN9 3GX, and Christopher Darwin, born on October 15, 1991, of Laycock Avenue, Gringley-on-the-Hill, Doncaster DN10 4SA, were found guilty in 2020 of using lurcher dogs to hunt and kill a deer.

The pair was spotted by police on December 24, 2019, coming off private land in the village of Haxey, North Lincolnshire, with lurcher dogs. Nearby, the body of a recently killed male roe deer was discovered, with injuries consistent with being caused by dogs, leading to further investigations.

Chief Inspector Paul Butler stated, “This court result should send out a very clear message to those who commit wildlife offences that we take these offences seriously and will seek other sanctions available to the courts. The obtaining of [Criminal Behaviour Orders] in this case provides other police forces with a straightforward tool to deal with these men if they choose to commit wildlife offences with the use of the type of dog involved. I would like to thank the Wildlife Crime Officers involved in bringing this case before the court, the CPS Prosecutors, and also the court for taking such offences seriously.”

He referred to Hayes as a “vicious bloodthirsty predator.”

Poaching, particularly involving deer, remains a significant issue across various parts of the UK. It often involves cruelty to the animals, especially when dogs are used to chase and drag down the deer. Offenders frequently operate across multiple counties, traveling long distances to target specific locations.

The use of lurcher-type dogs is commonly involved in many poaching activities, occurring both during daylight hours and at night.

Chief Inspector Butler added, “Poaching activity is a blight on the countryside, and many of those involved are linked to other offending. Members of rural communities often feel vulnerable and intimidated by poachers who can be aggressive or threaten violence if challenged. If you witness suspected poaching, particularly where lurcher-type dogs are involved, please report it to the police via 999.”

In sentencing, both Hayes and Darwin received a 12-month community order, including 300 hours of unpaid work. They were also ordered to pay £350 in court costs and were subjected to a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) preventing them from entering the Humberside Police area.

This case was reported by the Yorkshire Post.