DANNY MITCHELL AND TOMMY COLE CAUGHT IN VIRGINIA WATER HARE COURTING SCAM

In a significant crackdown on illegal rural activities, two individuals identified as Danny Mitchell, born around 2003 and residing at 3 Hazelwood Lane, Binfield, Bracknell RG42 5NE, and Tommy Cole, born around 2004 from The Paddock travellers site on Lyne Road, Virginia Water GU25 4ET, have been convicted of participating in hare coursing. This activity, which involves the use of dogs to chase and kill wild hares, is not only illegal but also associated with cruelty towards animals and damage to land.

Both Mitchell and Cole, who are recognized as travellers, faced legal action after being found guilty of one count each of possessing equipment intended for hunting or pursuing hares with dogs. Their conviction marks a notable milestone for the Thames Valley Police's Rural Crime Taskforce, as it is the first successful prosecution of its kind by the force.

The incident occurred on November 30, 2023, when officers from the Thames Valley Police were conducting a routine mobile patrol in the Maidenhead area. During their patrol along Howe Lane, near the B3024 and Paley Street, the officers observed a white Peugeot Partner van parked in a remote layby, situated just in front of a farm gate leading into a dark agricultural field. The officers noted the presence of two whippet-type dogs with the suspects.

As Mitchell and Cole approached on foot between the van and the farm gate, the officers observed Mitchell becoming visibly defensive. He began recording the interaction with his mobile phone, a common tactic among those involved in illegal activities to document police encounters. The officers then detained Mitchell and conducted a search, uncovering a handheld catapult and several ball bearings tucked inside his front jacket pocket.

Further inspection of the van revealed a high-powered lamp connected to a battery pack, a slip lead, a second lamp, and another lead located underneath the vehicle. These items are typically used in hare coursing to locate and chase hares during night-time activities. The officers seized the dogs, the van, and all associated equipment, and subsequently arrested both men. The following day, they were formally charged with their offences.

PC Lewis Tillyer, a member of the Rural Crime Taskforce, commented on the case, highlighting its significance: “This is a great example of how police and the Crown Prosecution Service can work together to crack down on hare coursing across the Thames Valley to create a hostile environment for rural offenders. Hare coursing is an illegal activity where dogs are used to chase, catch, and kill hares. It is a serious problem in rural areas that has a major impact on the community, involving cruelty to both dogs and wild animals, as well as damage to land which will not be tolerated.”

As part of their sentence, Mitchell and Cole are prohibited from owning dogs for the next two years, a ban that will expire in August 2026. Additionally, they are required to reimburse the police force for the care of the seized animals, which have since been re-homed. The court also ordered the offenders to pay a total of £1,226, covering £600 in kennelling costs, £300 in court fees, and a £26 victim surcharge. This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat rural crime and protect wildlife and land from illegal activities.