ROB MAKEPEACE AND NATHEN SMITH FROM HEADCORN AND MAIDSTONE CAUGHT IN KENT HARE COURSING SCANDAL

In a significant crackdown on illegal hare coursing activities, authorities have apprehended two individuals believed to be involved in this unlawful practice in Kent. Rob Makepeace, born around 1981 and hailing from the village of Headcorn in Ashford, along with Nathen Smith, born approximately in 1966 and residing at 38 Mangravet Avenue, Maidstone ME15 9BG, have been identified and convicted for offences related to hare coursing.

These two men, known to be part of the travelling community, were taken into custody following reports of illegal hare coursing in Ings Lane, Leverton, near Boston, Lincolnshire, on December 12, 2022. The reports prompted a police investigation that ultimately led to their arrest and subsequent charges.

Makepeace and Smith were charged with possessing equipment suitable for searching for or pursuing hares, which is a common tactic used in illegal hare coursing. Additionally, they faced three counts of trespassing, which is often associated with such unlawful activities. The authorities acted swiftly to prevent further offences and to uphold wildlife protection laws.

Following their conviction, the court imposed a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order, effectively banning both men from entering Lincolnshire until July 2028. This order is designed to prevent any future involvement in hare coursing or related activities within the region. Furthermore, each individual was fined £833, a financial penalty intended to serve as a deterrent.

In addition to the fines, their vehicle, mobile phones, leads, and all three dogs involved in the incident were confiscated by law enforcement. These measures aim to disrupt the illegal hare coursing network and prevent the recurrence of such offences in the future.

The case has garnered attention from wildlife protection groups, including the North West Hunt Saboteurs, who have long campaigned against illegal hunting and hare coursing. The authorities' actions in Kent and Lincolnshire underscore their commitment to safeguarding wildlife and enforcing the law against those who threaten it.