THOMAS CONNORS, PATRICK ROONEY, ANTHONY CONNORS, AND JAMES BELL CAUSE HAVOC IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE HARE COURSING RING

In a significant crackdown on illegal hare coursing activities, authorities from the Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) successfully apprehended four men involved in poaching within the county. The individuals identified as Thomas Joseph Connors, born February 1978 and residing on Carew Road, Wallington, Sutton SM6; Patrick Rooney, born circa 1985 from Croydon Road, Keston, Bromley BR2; Anthony Connors, born 31 January 1987, of Rutland Avenue, High Wycombe HP12; and James Raymond Bell, born October 2000, of Oaksview Park, 12 Murcott, Kidlington, Oxfordshire OX5 2RH, were all caught in the act during a routine patrol.

According to reports, the incident occurred in the vicinity of Abbots Ripton, where the four men were observed driving through a field, accompanied by a 12-year-old boy. The group was reportedly searching for hares, a common target in illegal poaching activities. Upon noticing the police presence, the group attempted to evade law enforcement by fleeing through nearby wildlife conservation areas. A brief but intense pursuit ensued through the village, culminating in the suspects’ vehicle stopping in another field. The police officers quickly detained the group for questioning.

During the investigation, officers uncovered prior convictions related to poaching, indicating a pattern of illegal activity. The vehicle used by the suspects was seized as evidence, and they were subsequently ordered to leave Cambridgeshire immediately. The authorities emphasized their commitment to cracking down on wildlife crime and protecting the region’s natural habitats.

All four men appeared before Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on September 22, 2021, where they pleaded guilty to charges of daytime trespass in pursuit of game, commonly known as poaching. As part of their sentencing, each individual received a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) valid for three years. This order explicitly prohibits them from entering private agricultural or farm land, yards, or working areas associated with such land within Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex. The restrictions extend to being on foot or in vehicles while in possession of sight hound or cross-sight hound breeds unless they have obtained prior written permission from the landowner.

In addition to the CBOs, the court mandated the offenders to pay a total of £178 in compensation to the owner of the affected fields and conservation areas. Financial penalties were also imposed: Thomas Connors was fined £150, while Anthony Connors, Patrick Rooney, and James Bell each received fines of £200. The court’s actions underscore the seriousness with which wildlife crime is treated in the region.

Further background information reveals that James Bell is a director of M&C Paving Ltd, a driveway company, which adds a layer of public interest to his involvement in the case. The authorities hope that these measures will serve as a deterrent to others engaged in similar illegal activities, reinforcing their commitment to safeguarding Cambridgeshire’s natural environment and wildlife.