Liam Barker, John Fenwick, Conor Goodfellow, AND JOSH LEE CAUGHT POACHING IN COUNTY DURHAM AND NORTH YORKSHIRE
| Red Rose Database
County Durham Poaching Ring Animal Abuser
In a significant crackdown on illegal poaching activities, four men—Liam Barker, John Fenwick, Conor Goodfellow, and Josh Lee—were found guilty of wildlife crimes committed within the County Durham Poaching Ring, with their illegal activities extending into North Yorkshire. The convictions highlight ongoing concerns about illegal hunting and trespassing on private land, which threaten local wildlife and landowner rights.
Details emerged that Liam Barker, born on August 16, 1994, from Spennymoor, was among those convicted. Barker's involvement was linked to a series of poaching incidents that drew police attention after a vigilant member of the public reported suspicious activity. The incident in question took place on October 10, 2016, when a silver Subaru Forester was observed in the Richmond area of North Yorkshire. Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle in Patrick Brompton, near Leyburn, where a group of men was seen engaging in poaching activities using dogs on private land. This sighting prompted police to intervene, leading to the detention and questioning of four men.
Among those apprehended were John Fenwick, from St Helen Auckland, Conor Goodfellow, also known as Conor Hughes, from West Auckland, and Joshua Lee, from St Helen Auckland. All four men were interviewed and subsequently summoned to appear before Northallerton Magistrates Court. On February 3, 2017, they all pleaded guilty to charges of daytime poaching, a serious wildlife offence that involves hunting or capturing animals during daylight hours without proper authorization.
During the court proceedings, penalties were imposed based on the severity of the offences. Conor Goodfellow was ordered to pay fines, a victim surcharge, and additional costs totaling £155. Meanwhile, Liam Barker, Joshua Lee, and John Fenwick each received fines, surcharges, and costs amounting to £198. These financial penalties serve as a deterrent against future illegal poaching activities and reflect the police and judicial system’s commitment to protecting wildlife and land rights.
North Yorkshire Police’s wildlife crime officer, PC Mark Wood, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance. He stated, “This was a good result and we are grateful that a witness came forward and reported this to the police. It shows that people do not like the idea of hares being destroyed by dogs in this way, and local farmers don’t appreciate people trespassing over their land to do it. We will continue to deal robustly with crimes of this nature, and I urge anyone to report incidents like this to the police.”
These convictions underscore the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat illegal poaching within the County Durham Poaching Ring and surrounding areas. The authorities remain committed to protecting wildlife, landowners, and the integrity of rural communities from such unlawful activities, encouraging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior related to wildlife crimes.
Details emerged that Liam Barker, born on August 16, 1994, from Spennymoor, was among those convicted. Barker's involvement was linked to a series of poaching incidents that drew police attention after a vigilant member of the public reported suspicious activity. The incident in question took place on October 10, 2016, when a silver Subaru Forester was observed in the Richmond area of North Yorkshire. Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle in Patrick Brompton, near Leyburn, where a group of men was seen engaging in poaching activities using dogs on private land. This sighting prompted police to intervene, leading to the detention and questioning of four men.
Among those apprehended were John Fenwick, from St Helen Auckland, Conor Goodfellow, also known as Conor Hughes, from West Auckland, and Joshua Lee, from St Helen Auckland. All four men were interviewed and subsequently summoned to appear before Northallerton Magistrates Court. On February 3, 2017, they all pleaded guilty to charges of daytime poaching, a serious wildlife offence that involves hunting or capturing animals during daylight hours without proper authorization.
During the court proceedings, penalties were imposed based on the severity of the offences. Conor Goodfellow was ordered to pay fines, a victim surcharge, and additional costs totaling £155. Meanwhile, Liam Barker, Joshua Lee, and John Fenwick each received fines, surcharges, and costs amounting to £198. These financial penalties serve as a deterrent against future illegal poaching activities and reflect the police and judicial system’s commitment to protecting wildlife and land rights.
North Yorkshire Police’s wildlife crime officer, PC Mark Wood, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance. He stated, “This was a good result and we are grateful that a witness came forward and reported this to the police. It shows that people do not like the idea of hares being destroyed by dogs in this way, and local farmers don’t appreciate people trespassing over their land to do it. We will continue to deal robustly with crimes of this nature, and I urge anyone to report incidents like this to the police.”
These convictions underscore the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat illegal poaching within the County Durham Poaching Ring and surrounding areas. The authorities remain committed to protecting wildlife, landowners, and the integrity of rural communities from such unlawful activities, encouraging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior related to wildlife crimes.