CONVICTED (2022) | hare courser Albert Eastwood, born 25 September 1995, of Denton Close, Redhill RH1 5LB
Eastwood, a traveller and like his father, fellow hare courser Albert Eastwood Sr, a career criminal admitted hare coursing and causing criminal damage to fields on the estate in north Essex.
Eastwood had been spotted on February 1, 2022, driving his 4×4 vehicle at speed across a field, following a lurcher which was chasing a hare.
Essex Police were called by one of the gamekeepers and stopped Eastwood’s vehicle before he could leave the estate.
The vehicle contained two lurchers, together with three dead hares concealed in the passenger footwell.
The padlock and chain securing the field gate had been removed and tyre marks and ruts could be seen across the field.
Eastwood was reported for hare coursing and criminal damage.
The estate manager, who wished not to be named, said: “Full marks to Essex Police for pursuing this to a prosecution because hare coursing is a difficult crime to prosecute, although I’m hoping that Government plans to introduce tougher sentencing will happen soon.
“Hare coursing is a scourge and, quite apart from the fate of our brown hares, it often has links to organised crime, although not in this case. Thousands of pounds can be gambled at illegal coursing events.
“We really appreciate the police support.”
PC Clare Dawson added: “Eastwood had driven a vehicle across farmland, which not only had the potential to damage crops but also caused ruts, which damage soil structure and can affect future crop yields.
“Hare coursing is a cruel activity, not just because hares are killed in the name of what some still persist in calling a ‘sport’ but because the dogs involved are often mistreated, too.
Sentencing | fined £200 for hare coursing and £100 for criminal damage. Ordered to pay £1,000 compensation to the estate, £105 court costs and a £34 victim surcharge.
Another ridiculous fine get away with to much.land owner should of expected more with the damage he prople done.like it says the animals are treated bad aswell.better not say to much it makes me so angry.
Bit Of Work The Scum Wants.
He wouldn’t have the energy to go out Lamping or Hare Coursing, or whatever else he has been up to before he was caught. He is also Not Safe with that young Baby. Social Services need to keep a close eye on that Baby.