TOMMY LEE GRAY AND JOSEPH ABERCROMBIE CAUGHT HARE COURTING IN AMERSHAM AND ESSEX

In a significant crackdown on illegal hare coursing, Tommy Lee Gray and Joseph Abercrombie faced justice after their involvement in this cruel activity was uncovered. Gray, born on July 11, 2004, residing at 15 Weller Road, Amersham HP6 6LQ, and Abercrombie, born on April 12, 2003, of 1 Heartenoak Farm, Heartenoak Road, Hawkhurst, Cranbrook TN18 5EY, were both convicted in 2023 for their participation in hare coursing activities.

Gray, who is part of a traveller community, and Abercrombie, a professional boxer, were apprehended by specialist rural engagement officers in Essex. Their arrest followed reports from vigilant members of the public who observed the pair trespassing on farmland with two dogs, engaged in activities aimed at hunting hares. The incident took place on January 6, 2023, when Gray traveled from Buckinghamshire and Abercrombie from Kent to the area near Paglesham, close to Rochford.

Upon being spotted, the duo was reported to Essex Police, prompting a response from the Essex Police Rural Engagement Team and the Rayleigh Local Policing Team. The officers quickly responded to the scene, where they found Gray and Abercrombie trespassing on private land with their dogs, clearly intent on pursuing hares. Both men were subsequently arrested and charged with trespassing with the intent to search for or pursue hares, a crime that carries serious legal consequences.

During their court appearance at Basildon magistrates on July 13, 2023, both Gray and Abercrombie admitted to the offence. The magistrates noted that the pair had traveled a considerable distance—Gray from Buckinghamshire and Abercrombie from Kent—highlighting the deliberate nature of their actions. Despite the seriousness of the offence, the court decided not to impose bans on their driving licenses or restrictions on dog ownership, citing their first-time offence and family circumstances.

Sgt Ben Felton from the Rural Engagement Team emphasized the damaging impact of hare coursing on rural communities. He explained that such activities cause significant distress to landowners and farmers, as well as damage to the land itself. Felton reaffirmed Essex Police’s stance against animal cruelty, stating that they would pursue prosecution whenever evidence of such crimes was available. He highlighted that this case marked a pioneering effort in Essex, being among the first in the country to utilize specific legislation to combat poaching and illegal game hunting.

Felton also urged the public to remain vigilant, encouraging anyone witnessing hare coursing to contact emergency services immediately by calling 999. The police’s efforts have yielded results, with hare coursing incidents in Essex decreasing by 50% during the 2022/23 season, thanks to collaboration with the Crown Prosecution Service, regional police forces, and the National Police Air Service.

As a result of their conviction, Gray and Abercrombie were fined £250 each, ordered to pay costs of £105, and a victim surcharge of £100. This case underscores the ongoing commitment of Essex Police to protect rural land and uphold animal welfare laws, sending a clear message that hare coursing will not be tolerated in the county.