Three men banned from entering Lincolnshire for 8 months of the year for 'archaic' crime

Three people have been found guilty of hunting a wild mammal with dogs. On November 30, 2023, Anthony Basford, Peter Roddam and Thomas Tyers were seen with dogs on Sea Lane, Wainfleet St Mary.

The men were suspected of hare coursing and reported to Lincolnshire Police by farm workers in the area, who provided officers with a running commentary of the trio's location to ensure they did not escape along the A52. The three men were all arrested and later charged.

They appeared at Boston Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, June 26, and have each been handed Criminal Behaviour Orders. These orders will run for the next 15 years and any breaches could mean a custodial sentence of up to five years.

These orders also prevent them from entering Lincolnshire between July 31 and April 30, which is recognised as hare coursing season, or on any private land with sighthounds, greyhounds, long dogs, or lurcher-type dogs.

They are also prevented from accompanying anyone who has these breeds of dog. Tyers, 33, of Pennine Way, Chilton, near Durham; and Basford, 39, of Corneville Road, Stoke-on-Trent, were each ordered to pay kennel fees of £3,685.50 plus fines, surcharge and costs of £1,391.

Roddam, of Salvin Street, Croxdale, near Durham, was also ordered to pay a total of £533 in fines, surcharge and costs. All of the dogs that were seized in the incident will now be re-homed.

DC James Stevenson, from our Rural Crime Action Team, said: "Positive work and action from our team and traffic officers have enabled a full investigation and prosecution into this archaic and cruel pastime carried out by these offenders. Without the support of the rural and farming community, we would not be able to continue our work so effectively.

"We thank those within the rural community who help us bring these people to justice."