WARREN KELLY AND ANDREW DUTTON CAUGHT IN CHESTER HARE COURSING CRIME SPREE

Warren Kelly, born on May 29, 1986, and Andrew Dutton, born on July 20, 1964, both residents of Chester, have been officially convicted of multiple wildlife crimes related to hare coursing. Kelly resides at 6 Sycamore Drive, while Dutton's address is 1 Clover Place. Their criminal activities, which spanned across several counties, have now led to significant legal repercussions.

In 2022, the pair was found guilty of four offences under the Game Act and two additional violations under the Hunting Act, all linked to illegal hare coursing activities in Ormskirk. Their actions are part of a broader pattern of poaching that has been documented across various regions, including Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Humberside, Merseyside, North Wales, Cheshire, West Mercia, Shropshire, and Bedfordshire. Kelly and Dutton were known to operate extensively, traveling across these areas to engage in their unlawful pursuits.

Following their convictions, both men were subjected to five-year criminal behavior orders (CBO). These orders prohibit them from being present anywhere in England and Wales with possession or control of a dog, except at their home addresses. Furthermore, the orders restrict them from being in the company of any person with a dog in any location within these regions. Lancashire Police confirmed that the CBO also bans them from large portions of Lancashire and Merseyside, specifically targeting areas where their poaching activities were most prevalent. The orders are designed to prevent further harassment, alarm, and distress caused by their actions.

In addition to the behavioral restrictions, Kelly and Dutton were ordered to pay fines totaling nearly £1,000, covering both fines and associated costs. Their poaching equipment was also confiscated as part of the legal proceedings, effectively dismantling their ability to continue illegal activities.

PC Paddy Stewart, a member of the South Rural Police Taskforce, emphasized the seriousness of their crimes. He stated, “Hare coursing and poaching can be extremely distressing for our community, who feel unable to challenge the offenders. This is not ‘one for the pot’ poaching; these offenders travel around the country committing cruel acts towards our wildlife and wreaking havoc on our rural communities. Farmers often report threats and intimidation when they confront trespassers involved in poaching.”

Stewart further explained that many people underestimate the severity of these crimes, which often involve threats, intimidation, and sometimes violence against landowners and challengers. He highlighted that the brown hare is listed as a Conservation Priority in the UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan, underscoring the importance of protecting this vulnerable species.

The geographic scope of the bans includes numerous areas such as Tarleton, Hesketh Banks, Banks, Sollom, Rufford, Merebrow, Burscough, Ormskirk, Downholland, Halsall, Altcar, Scarisbrick, Aughton, Southport, Bickerstaffe, Simmonswood, Ainsdale, Hillside, Birkdale, Churchtown, Kew, Croston, Dalton, Newburgh, Lathom, Mawdsley, Wrightington, Hilldale, Parbold, Appley Bridge, Roby Mill, Ince, Blundell, Maghull, Kirkby, Lydiate, and Melling.

Sergeant Darren Car added, “The costs incurred by farmers to deter these offenders are significant, and these expenses are ultimately passed on to consumers. The criminal behavior orders will help safeguard the community and protect vulnerable wildlife species. I am proud of my team’s efforts in securing these convictions and orders. Due to the isolation often felt in rural areas and the threats faced by landowners, it takes considerable courage for farmers to report these crimes, but we remain committed to fighting wildlife crime and animal cruelty.”

Members of the public who observe Warren Kelly or Andrew Dutton in the Chester area engaging in suspicious activity are urged to report their sightings via 101 or through the Lancashire Police online reporting system. The authorities continue to prioritize the fight against illegal poaching and wildlife crimes in the region.