LOIS WHITELEY, JASON THACKER AND JORDAN RISPIN CAUGHT POACHING IN KINGSTON UPON HULL
In a recent crackdown on wildlife crime in Kingston upon Hull, three men—Lois Whiteley, Jason Thacker, and Jordan Rispin—were found guilty of illegal poaching activities.The incident took place on the night of February 18, 2021, when the trio was caught trespassing on farmland situated between Humbleton and Sproatley in East Yorkshire.
The police reports indicate that the men entered the private land around 11:30 pm with the apparent intention of hunting game, a practice strictly prohibited under UK law.
Authorities confirmed that the suspects were found in possession of equipment commonly associated with poaching, such as lamps and other hunting gear.
Their actions were in direct violation of Section 1 of the Night Poaching Act 1828, which criminalizes the illegal hunting of game during nighttime hours.
All three individuals pleaded guilty to the charges, acknowledging their involvement in the unlawful activity.
Following their guilty pleas, the court imposed fines on each of the men.
Lois Whiteley, Jason Thacker, and Jordan Rispin were ordered to pay fines of £360 each, along with additional costs amounting to £85.
The conviction underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat wildlife crime in the region.
Rural Task Force Police Constable Kevin Jones of Humberside Police expressed his commitment to tackling such illegal activities.
He stated, “I hope this conviction sends out another strong message to those who are involved in wildlife crime.
I am grateful to the local members of Farmwatch for their assistance and partnership throughout this investigation which has resulted in another conviction under Poaching legislation.
We will not tolerate this illegal activity and will continue to pro-actively work alongside our partners and farm watch community tackling these crimes.” Additional context reveals that the individuals involved are already known in the East Hull area for their participation in bloodsports, including lamping.
Allegations suggest they are part of a gang that routinely engages in illegal hunting with dogs, targeting species such as foxes and badgers.
There are also reports that they have goaded their dogs into attacking cats, leading to numerous cats being either killed or going missing in the area.
Furthermore, two members of this gang, whose identities have not been disclosed, were recently arrested in connection with the death of a stolen Shetland pony named Peter Pumpkin.
Another individual, Callum Pullen, born 5 May 1999 and residing at 11 Gainford Grove, Hull HU9 4ND, has been charged with badger baiting.
It is understood that Pullen has pleaded guilty to the charges and is awaiting sentencing at a later date, highlighting the ongoing issues related to illegal hunting and animal cruelty in the Kingston upon Hull region.
