CHRISTOPHER WOODWARD BUSTED IN BURFORD FOR BADGER SETT INTERFERENCE NEAR WHITCHURCH

Christopher Woodward, a former employee of Wynnstay Hunt and now associated with the Heythrop Hunt, was recently involved in a serious wildlife crime incident near Burford. Born on 20 November 1984 and previously residing in Ruabon, Wrexham, Woodward has now made his home at Huntsman House, The Kennels, South Lawn, Swinbrook, with the postal code OX18 4FH.

On the 3rd of February, 2023, Woodward, along with Charlie Young, a whipper-in also employed by Wynnstay Hunt, was caught in the act of obstructing a badger sett close to Whitchurch in North Wales. This act was carried out in preparation for the following day's fox hunting activities in the area. The illegal interference was witnessed by hunt saboteurs who confronted the pair, prompting them to flee the scene to avoid arrest.

Following this incident, North Wales Police initiated a thorough investigation that ultimately led to the prosecution of Christopher Woodward. It is noteworthy that Woodward is currently employed by the Heythrop Hunt, based in Banbury, West Oxfordshire, a detail that underscores the ongoing controversy surrounding his activities.

According to reports from the Hunt Saboteurs Association (HSA), this was not an isolated event. They revealed that Woodward and Young had been caught approximately three weeks earlier engaging in the same illegal activity—blocking the same badger sett. Such practices are highly dangerous and cruel, as they can cause badgers to suffocate by trapping them inside their setts.

The primary motive behind these acts is to force foxes to surface, making them vulnerable to illegal hunting. This method is widely condemned and considered a violation of wildlife protection laws. The HSA emphasized that Woodward's actions are part of a broader pattern of illegal hunting practices that persist across the country.

It remains unclear whether Charlie Young, the other individual involved, faced any charges related to this incident. However, Woodward's conviction has prompted strong reactions from wildlife protection advocates. An HSA spokesperson commented: “The blocking of badger setts is routine practice by fox hunts across the country. Not only is such behaviour illegal under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, but it also clearly demonstrates intent to commit offences under the Hunting Act.”

They further added, “The fact that this seedy pair was caught on film at the same badger sett only weeks earlier is astonishing and provides further compelling evidence of their habitual involvement in such offences.”

Woodward is scheduled to appear again in court in October 2023 to face additional charges related to breaches of the Hunting Act. As for sentencing, he has been fined £500, with an additional £200 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs. The fine has been adjusted based on his guilty plea and income level, and it must be paid within 28 days to avoid further legal consequences.