ANTHONY AND EDWARD FOSTER AND SCOTT REVELL CAUGHT POACHING IN FERRYHILL AND STOCKTON-ON-TEES

In a significant crackdown on illegal wildlife hunting, three men identified as Anthony Foster, Edward Foster, and Scott Revell have been convicted of poaching activities involving the use of dogs. The incident took place in the rural areas surrounding Ferryhill and Stockton-on-Tees, within County Durham, highlighting ongoing concerns about wildlife crime in these regions.

Anthony Foster, born around 1992 and residing at East Howle Caravan Site in Ferryhill (postcode DL17 8SA), along with Edward Foster, born circa 1993 of Japonica Way in Norton, Stockton-on-Tees (postcode TS20 2XY), and Scott Revell, born approximately 1988 from Somerset Road in Stockton-on-Tees (postcode TS20 2NE), were all identified as members of a travelling community involved in illegal hunting activities. The trio was caught on camera engaging in hare coursing, a practice that involves hunting hares with dogs, which is prohibited under wildlife protection laws.

Their apprehension was the result of vigilant police work carried out by specialist officers equipped with advanced camera technology. The incident occurred on October 2, 2022, when rural PCSO Andy Cusick observed suspicious activity on private farmland near Sadberge, close to Darlington. He noticed two vehicles parked on Hillhouse Lane that appeared out of place and subsequently saw the three men walking across the fields with multiple dogs, including breeds such as Saluki and lurchers, which are commonly used in hare coursing.

Using thermal imaging monoculars and other specialist equipment, PCSO Cusick recorded footage of the men releasing their dogs to chase a hare that had broken cover, an act that constitutes illegal hunting. The police officer’s quick response and technological expertise provided irrefutable evidence of the poaching activity, leading to the men’s detention and subsequent interviews.

During questioning, the trio initially denied any wrongdoing, claiming they were simply out for a walk with their dogs. However, the evidence collected contradicted their claims, and it was clear that their presence on the private farmland was unauthorized, with no public footpaths through the fields and no permission granted by the landowner for their activities.

All three men appeared before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, where they pleaded guilty to the charges of illegal poaching. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of wildlife crime and its impact on rural communities. Sergeant Karl Lowe from the Darlington Neighbourhood Police Team emphasized the damaging effects of such activities, including harm to wildlife, destruction of crops, and financial burdens on landowners.

Sergeant Lowe praised PCSO Cusick’s dedication and the use of advanced surveillance technology, which played a crucial role in securing the convictions. He issued a stern warning to others contemplating similar illegal activities, stating, “This type of offending is not only cruel to wildlife but has a profound impact on rural communities, causing damage to crops and farmland which can be extremely costly for the farmer or landowner to resolve. I hope this sends a warning to others who think that illegally poaching wildlife is acceptable, that we will catch you and we will prosecute you.”

As a result of their convictions, Anthony Foster, Edward Foster, and Scott Revell were fined between £120 and £200 each. Additionally, they were ordered to pay court costs and a victim surcharge, reinforcing the legal consequences of their actions and the ongoing efforts to combat wildlife crime in County Durham.