KEVIN SKALDING, CRAIG AND SCOTT RICHARDS CAUGHT HUNTING HARES IN ROWLEY REGIS AND NEARBY AREAS

In a serious wildlife crime incident, Kevin Skelding, Craig Richards, and Scott Richards, all known to local rural crime police, were apprehended for their involvement in illegal hare hunting activities in and around the Rowley Regis area. The trio’s actions have raised concerns among conservation authorities and local residents who are committed to protecting native wildlife.

According to court reports, the incident unfolded on October 28, 2022, when a vigilant member of the public noticed three men with lurcher dogs on land near Market Drayton, situated in North Shropshire. The witness promptly contacted the police, alerting them to the suspicious activity. Responding swiftly, law enforcement dispatched an armed response unit and deployed a police helicopter to the scene, demonstrating the seriousness with which wildlife crimes are treated in the region.

Upon arrival, officers discovered an unattended Kia Sportage parked on the land. The police quickly located Skelding and Craig Richards hiding in a nearby wooded area, leading to their immediate arrest. Meanwhile, Scott Richards was found at a different location, away from the other two suspects. The police also recovered the lurcher dogs from the vicinity of the vehicle, confirming their involvement in the illegal activity.

Further inspection of the scene revealed that the suspects were in possession of a catapult, ball bearings, and slip leads—items commonly associated with hunting and trapping wildlife. When questioned, the men claimed they were simply out walking their dogs, a statement that was contradicted by the evidence and their known history of wildlife persecution.

All three individuals have previous convictions and are well-known to rural crime officers. Their actions have not only violated wildlife protection laws but also demonstrated a blatant disregard for conservation efforts. The court sentenced Craig Richards to complete 150 hours of unpaid community service, while Scott Richards was ordered to perform 120 hours. Kevin Skelding received a sentence of 100 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, each man was ordered to pay £624 to cover kennelling costs associated with the confiscated dogs.

This case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat illegal wildlife hunting and protect native species from persecution. The community and conservation groups continue to advocate for stricter penalties and increased patrols to prevent such activities in the future, especially in rural areas like Rowley Regis and surrounding regions.