SAMUEL HAYLETTE CONVICTED OF HARE COURTING IN CAMBERLEY AND ESSEX
| Red Rose Database
Frimley Animal Abuser
Samuel Haylett, born on 30 September 1989 and residing on Barnes Road, Frimley, Camberley GU16, was convicted in 2020 of hare coursing. He was caught engaging in illegal hare coursing on private land in Essex. The incident happened after Essex Police responded to reports near Blind Lane, West Hanningfield, south Essex.
Haylett admitted to trespassing in pursuit of game during the incident. Following his arrest, a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) was issued against him specifically related to hare coursing. This order prohibits him from possessing a catapult, a firearm, or an air weapon in public places. It further bans him from possessing, controlling, or being in the company of any dog within Essex unless he is traveling to a pre-arranged emergency vet’s appointment. Additionally, he is barred from letting a dog off its lead unless on private land or with the landowner’s consent. The order also restricts him from associating with three men in public places.
The events unfolded at approximately 2 pm on Sunday, 13 October 2019, when Essex Police received reports about hare coursing activity off Blind Lane. An off-duty police officer in the vicinity noticed Haylett, who was in possession of dogs actively pursuing a hare, a pursuit that lasted about 30 seconds. The officer intervened, instructing Haylett to stop and on-duty officers arrived to arrest him.
The police documented Haylett covered in mud, took photographs, and seized a vehicle, mobile phones, catapults, and stones. He was then interviewed under caution and subsequently reported for the offence.
Chief Inspector Terry Balding, head of the Rural Engagement Team, commented: “The quick actions by community members and an off-duty officer, who has extensive knowledge of wildlife and countryside pursuits, resulted in this conviction for hare coursing. This is the first time we have secured a Criminal Behaviour Order for hare coursing, which will restrict Haylett’s activities, movements, and associations, thereby helping to safeguard rural communities countrywide.”
He added: “Hare coursing isn’t just illegal and cruel; it also causes disruption and damage to private land and crops, can financially impact local businesses, and endangers the safety of residents and workers in the area. We remain committed, alongside our policing colleagues, to combating hare coursing and will continue to pursue offenders like Haylett.”
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, stated: “Tackling rural crime remains a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan. It’s encouraging to see the Essex Police Rural Engagement Team taking proactive steps to protect our rural communities. Hare coursing is a dangerous and frightening activity carried out in isolated areas, making residents feel vulnerable—this is unacceptable. Securing this order sends a clear message that rural crime will not be tolerated, and offenders will be brought to justice.”
In addition to the Criminal Behaviour Order, Haylett was fined a total of £569, covering fines, costs, and charges. Haylett is also known to operate a landscaping and paving business named Sam & Son Building and Landscapes.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and wildlife protection agencies to combat illegal hare coursing, a practice closely monitored by the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit.
Haylett admitted to trespassing in pursuit of game during the incident. Following his arrest, a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) was issued against him specifically related to hare coursing. This order prohibits him from possessing a catapult, a firearm, or an air weapon in public places. It further bans him from possessing, controlling, or being in the company of any dog within Essex unless he is traveling to a pre-arranged emergency vet’s appointment. Additionally, he is barred from letting a dog off its lead unless on private land or with the landowner’s consent. The order also restricts him from associating with three men in public places.
The events unfolded at approximately 2 pm on Sunday, 13 October 2019, when Essex Police received reports about hare coursing activity off Blind Lane. An off-duty police officer in the vicinity noticed Haylett, who was in possession of dogs actively pursuing a hare, a pursuit that lasted about 30 seconds. The officer intervened, instructing Haylett to stop and on-duty officers arrived to arrest him.
The police documented Haylett covered in mud, took photographs, and seized a vehicle, mobile phones, catapults, and stones. He was then interviewed under caution and subsequently reported for the offence.
Chief Inspector Terry Balding, head of the Rural Engagement Team, commented: “The quick actions by community members and an off-duty officer, who has extensive knowledge of wildlife and countryside pursuits, resulted in this conviction for hare coursing. This is the first time we have secured a Criminal Behaviour Order for hare coursing, which will restrict Haylett’s activities, movements, and associations, thereby helping to safeguard rural communities countrywide.”
He added: “Hare coursing isn’t just illegal and cruel; it also causes disruption and damage to private land and crops, can financially impact local businesses, and endangers the safety of residents and workers in the area. We remain committed, alongside our policing colleagues, to combating hare coursing and will continue to pursue offenders like Haylett.”
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, stated: “Tackling rural crime remains a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan. It’s encouraging to see the Essex Police Rural Engagement Team taking proactive steps to protect our rural communities. Hare coursing is a dangerous and frightening activity carried out in isolated areas, making residents feel vulnerable—this is unacceptable. Securing this order sends a clear message that rural crime will not be tolerated, and offenders will be brought to justice.”
In addition to the Criminal Behaviour Order, Haylett was fined a total of £569, covering fines, costs, and charges. Haylett is also known to operate a landscaping and paving business named Sam & Son Building and Landscapes.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and wildlife protection agencies to combat illegal hare coursing, a practice closely monitored by the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit.