ALBERT EASTWOOD JR FROM REDHILL CAUGHT IN HORRIFIC HARE COURTING INCIDENT IN ESSEX

Albert Eastwood Jr, a resident of Denton Close in Redhill, was involved in a serious hare coursing incident that took place in Essex. Born on September 25, 1995, Eastwood has a background linked to a family of travellers, following in the footsteps of his father, Albert Eastwood Sr, who is also known for his criminal activities. Eastwood Jr’s involvement in illegal hare coursing and related criminal damage has brought him to the attention of law enforcement authorities.

On February 1, 2022, Eastwood was observed engaging in illegal activity on a rural estate in Essex. Witnesses reported seeing him driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle at high speed across a field, closely following a lurcher dog that was actively chasing a hare. This reckless behavior was part of a broader pattern of illegal hare coursing, a practice that involves the use of dogs to hunt and kill hares for gambling and sport, often with little regard for animal welfare or the environment.

Essex Police responded swiftly after being alerted by one of the estate’s gamekeepers. Officers managed to intercept Eastwood’s vehicle before he could leave the premises. Upon inspection, they discovered two lurcher dogs inside the vehicle, along with three dead hares concealed in the passenger footwell. Evidence of the crime was also visible in the form of tyre marks and ruts across the field, indicating the vehicle had been driven recklessly and illegally across the land.

Authorities promptly reported Eastwood for both hare coursing and criminal damage. The estate manager, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed appreciation for the police’s efforts, emphasizing the difficulty in prosecuting hare coursing cases. The estate manager also voiced hope that upcoming government legislation would introduce harsher penalties for such crimes, which are often linked to organized crime and gambling. The illegal activity not only harms local wildlife, particularly brown hares, but also causes significant damage to farmland.

PC Clare Dawson provided further details, highlighting the environmental and animal cruelty aspects of the case. She explained that Eastwood’s driving across farmland had the potential to damage crops and soil structure, which could negatively impact future crop yields. She condemned hare coursing as a cruel activity, noting that it results in the unnecessary death of hares and often involves mistreatment of the dogs used in the activity.

In court, Eastwood was fined £200 for hare coursing and £100 for criminal damage. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation to the estate, along with £105 in court costs and a £34 victim surcharge. The case underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat illegal hare coursing and protect rural communities and wildlife in Essex.