DEAN NORTHAGE AND BROTHERS SPARKY-JOE AND BILLY BRADFORD CAUGHT POACHING DEER IN WORKSOP AND LEICESTERSHIRE
In a significant crackdown on wildlife crime, three individuals from the Worksop area, including the well-known offenders Dean Northage and the Bradford brothers Sparky-Joe and Billy, have been convicted of serious deer poaching offences.The trio, who are identified as travellers, have faced strict legal repercussions following their involvement in illegal hunting activities that spanned across multiple counties.
Dean Northage, born on April 25, 1995, residing at 5 Herrick Drive, Worksop S81 0EP, was among those found guilty.
Alongside him, brothers Sparky-Joe Bradford, born on July 4, 2006, and Billy Bradford, born on December 12, 2001, both of Cross Street, Langold, Worksop S81, were also convicted.
The charges stem from an incident where a deer was unlawfully taken during the night, an offence that came to light after the animal was discovered in the rear of a vehicle stopped by Lincolnshire Police in Dry Doddington on January 7, 2024.
The authorities confirmed that the three men had engaged in illegal deer hunting activities, which are strictly prohibited under the Deer Act.
As part of their punishment, they have been subjected to a series of stringent restrictions and penalties.
Under a ten-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), they are explicitly banned from entering the counties of Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, and Nottinghamshire during the period from August 1 to April 30 each year.
This ban also extends to entering these areas with any dogs, regardless of breed, or in the company of anyone who has dogs with them.
Furthermore, the trio is prohibited from possessing or carrying any equipment that could be used for poaching, such as lamps or thermal imaging devices, within these counties at any time, whether during the day or at night.
These measures are designed to prevent further illegal activities and protect local wildlife populations.
In addition to the restrictions, a 15-year-old boy, whose identity remains confidential due to his age, is also set to face sentencing for the same offences at a later date.
The legal proceedings highlight the seriousness with which wildlife crime is treated in the region.
All equipment associated with the poaching activities was confiscated by authorities, and each of the convicted men was ordered to pay fines.
They were fined £646 each to cover kennelling fees, along with additional costs of £85 and a surcharge of £258.
The case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat illegal hunting and protect the natural environment from unlawful exploitation.
