FROME HARE COURSERS TOMMY SHERRED AND JOBY AYRES FACE JUSTICE IN WILTSHIRE

In a significant crackdown on illegal hare coursing activities, two men from the East Somerset traveller community, Tommy James Sherred and Joby Ayres, have been brought to justice in Wiltshire. Sherred, born circa 1996, residing at the travellers site in Gypsy Lane, Frome, and Ayres, born around 1988, of Pines Residential Site on Berkley Lane, Frome, appeared before North West Wiltshire Magistrates’ Court to answer charges related to their involvement in unlawful game pursuits.

The incident that led to their conviction occurred on January 14, 2017, when authorities observed a green Ford hatchback operating on farmland near Bishops Cannings, close to Devizes. Witnesses reported seeing several men accompanied by dogs in the area, which was believed to be engaged in hare coursing, a practice that is illegal under the Game Act 1831. When confronted by the landowner, the individuals involved responded aggressively, shouting abuse and attempting to flee the scene at high speed towards Horton. Two of the men managed to escape across the farmland in the direction of Bishop Cannings.

Following the initial sighting, officers from the Rural Crime Team actively patrolled the area and soon spotted two men in the fields. When approached, the suspects ran in the opposite direction, attempting to evade arrest. However, the officers managed to apprehend them, suspecting them of daylight trespass in pursuit of game, which is a violation of the same legislation.

PC Marc Jackson, a representative of the Rural Crime Team, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the investigation. He stated, “The Rural Crime Team is really pleased with the outcome of this investigation which saw a sizeable fine for the offenders in relation to daylight trespass offences under the Game Act. As the Rural Crime Officer, I have been working hard with members of Farmwatch and landowners around the Pewsey Vale area to disrupt and deter the coursing and poaching activity over the last year.”

He further emphasized the ongoing efforts to combat such illegal activities, mentioning the use of Community Protection Notices (CPNs) to prevent anti-social behavior that negatively impacts local farmers and gamekeepers. “Wiltshire is not a soft touch and we will seek to prosecute individuals who seek to commit poaching related offences within the county where evidence exists,” he added.

As a result of their convictions, Sherred and Ayres were each fined a total of £1,000. The case highlights the persistent efforts by law enforcement to protect farmland and uphold wildlife laws in Wiltshire, sending a clear message that illegal hare coursing will be met with strict penalties and enforcement actions.