RYAN SPENCE LIVERTON POACHER FACES COURT AFTER WILDLIFE CRIME IN NORTH YORKSHIRE

Ryan Spence, a known offender from Liverton, has once again found himself at the center of a serious wildlife crime investigation in North Yorkshire. The 2022 conviction revealed that Spence, born around 1990 and residing on St Cuthberts Walk in Liverton, was involved in hunting wild mammals using dogs, a practice that is illegal and highly damaging to local ecosystems.

Spence’s criminal record is extensive, with recent convictions for drink and drug driving, and he is also known to be a cocaine user. His latest conviction marked a significant development in the ongoing efforts by authorities to curb poaching activities in the region. Notably, he became the first individual in North Yorkshire to be issued a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) specifically for poaching offences, a measure that underscores the seriousness with which law enforcement is treating wildlife crimes.

In addition to the CBO, Spence was handed a six-month driving ban and fined just over £1,000. These penalties followed an incident on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, when Spence was observed at a private farmland near Normanby, close to Kirkbymoorside in Ryedale. Witnesses reported seeing one of his dogs chasing a hare on the land, prompting immediate police action. Officers responded swiftly, arresting Spence shortly after the incident and seizing the dogs involved in the chase.

A spokesperson from North Yorkshire Police highlighted Spence’s notoriety as a prolific offender across multiple regions, including North Yorkshire, East Yorkshire, Norfolk, and Scotland. The police statement emphasized that the Criminal Behaviour Order issued to Spence prohibits him from trespassing on land with a dog, firearm, or any item capable of firing a projectile. It also restricts him from straying from public rights of way onto private land, driving or being in a vehicle on private land without permission, and participating in any group involved in hunting wild mammals with dogs or firearms.

Inspector Clive Turner, a member of the rural task force, expressed his satisfaction with the legal actions taken against Spence. He stated, “Ryan Spence has caused significant harm to our rural communities over a number of years, and I’m pleased he has now faced the courts and we have been successful in having the Criminal Behaviour Order granted.” Turner further emphasized the importance of community vigilance, urging residents to report suspicious activity, whether or not they are certain a crime is occurring. He advised calling 101 with information or 999 if witnessing a crime in progress.

In a recent development, Spence’s sentence was increased following an appeal in court. His original six-month driving ban was extended to two years, effective from February 23, 2023. The court upheld his previous sentence, and the five-year Criminal Behaviour Order remains in effect from September 2022. Inspector Turner reiterated the firm stance of North Yorkshire Police against poaching, warning that offenders face hefty fines, long driving bans, property forfeiture, and potential imprisonment for breaching court orders.

Spence’s background includes ties to Guisborough, where his family is based. His previous address was Dorset Road, Guisborough TS14 7EB. As of April 2022, he had accumulated 24 convictions for 39 offences, illustrating a pattern of repeated criminal behavior. His history also includes a 2017 conviction for hare coursing, alongside accomplices Anthony Webster and Stuart Brunt, which resulted in fines and dog custody bans. Webster and Brunt received fines of £600 and £1,200 respectively, with disqualifications from keeping dogs and community service orders.

North Yorkshire Police continue to prioritize the fight against wildlife crime, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The message is clear: poaching and illegal hunting will be met with strict legal consequences, and community cooperation is vital in protecting rural areas from such destructive practices.