TWO Chester men have been given five year criminal behaviour orders banning them from being anywhere in England and Wales with a dog.
The criminal behaviour order (CBO) comes after they were convicted of four offences under the Game Act and two offences under the Hunting act, for Hare Coursing in Ormskirk, West Lancashire.
Warren Kelly, 36, of Sycamore Drive, and 58-year-old Andrew Dutton of Clover Place, were known to poach all over Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Humberside, Merseyside, North Wales, Cheshire, West Mercia, Shropshire and Bedfordshire.
The CBO bans them from being anywhere in England and Wales in possession or control of a dog other than in their home address and from being with any person anywhere in England and Wales with a dog.
It also bans them from huge portions of Lancashire and Merseyside, (see attached map) from acting in a manner that is likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress.
In addition, they were handed down almost £1,000 in fines and costs and had their poaching equipment forfeited from them. The bans are in place until 29 June 2027.
The order also stipulates that if they breach the order, anything in their possession at the time, any vehicle and any dogs will be forfeited.
The areas covered in the ban include: Tarleton, Hesketh Bank, Banks, Sollom, Rufford, Merebrow, Burscough, Ormskirk, Downholland, Halsall, Altcar, Scarisbrick, Aughton, Southport.
It also covers: Bickerstaffe, Simmonswood, Ainsdale/Hillside/Birkdale, Churchtown, Kew, Croston, Dalton, Newburgh, Lathom, Mawdsley, Wrightington, Hilldale, Parbold, Appley Bridge, Roby, Mill, Ince, Blundell, Maghull, Kirkby, Lydiate, Melling.
A spokesperson for the police said: "The measures farmers have to put in place to deter these offenders cost considerable amounts of money which in turn is passed onto food consumers.
"These criminal behaviour orders will offer safety for the community and protection to vulnerable species.
"Due the feeling of isolation in rural areas and previous experience of threats, it takes great courage for farmers to step forward and we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with them in the fight against wildlife crimes and animal cruelty."
Anyone who sees the two men in the West Lancashire area can report their breach through 101 or https://orlo.uk/t10LS
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here