TREVOR HALL'S CRUEL COCKFIGHTING RING IN HORSHAM ST FAITH EXPOSED

Trevor James Hall, born on November 17, 1965, and residing at Harts Hill Farm on Holt Road in Horsham St Faith, Norwich NR10 3AH, was found guilty of operating an illegal and inhumane cockfighting enterprise that spanned over three years. His involvement included organizing, participating in, and maintaining premises for these brutal fights, which are outlawed due to their cruelty and the risk of injury to the animals involved.

Hall admitted to five charges related to cockfighting activities, including holding the fights, keeping and training fighting cocks, maintaining locations for the events, actively participating in the fights, and being present during the fights. Despite his admissions, Hall claimed that he was coerced into hosting these events by travellers who had threatened the safety of his girlfriend and parents. This defense was scrutinized during a trial held at Norwich Magistrates’ Court, where the court heard detailed evidence of his involvement.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Hall possessed an extensive collection of literature and media related to cockfighting. This included books such as ‘The Art of Training Fighting Cocks,’ along with DVDs and videos, notably one titled ‘Chicken Fights 3,’ which contained footage of cockfights. Hall had also recorded videos of his own cockerels fighting, further implicating him in the illegal activity.

The authorities, comprising the RSPCA and police, executed coordinated raids at Hall’s parents’ farm and his girlfriend’s residence in Vale Green, Mile Cross. These raids uncovered significant evidence, including live birds and media materials. Hall’s solicitor, Simon Nicholls, argued that Hall was under duress from travellers, with one individual reportedly threatening him and following him into the toilets during the trial. However, the court’s chairman, Bob Price, dismissed this defense, stating that Hall always had the option to report threats to the police or RSPCA or to simply dispose of his birds to avoid prosecution.

Prosecutor Jonathan Eales from the RSPCA detailed the findings of the raids. On August 18, 2010, law enforcement seized ten cocks from Hall’s parents’ farm, suspected of being involved in cockfighting. Simultaneously, authorities confiscated a variety of media and literature from Hall’s girlfriend’s home, including two VHS tapes containing 300 minutes of footage depicting cockfights, some with metal spurs attached to the birds’ legs to inflict more severe injuries. The footage also showed at least one fight to the death. Additionally, two camcorders, a laptop, magazines, and five books related to cockfighting were seized.

Hall was arrested and, during police interviews, admitted ownership of 89 birds, including the ten seized from his parents’ farm. He also acknowledged owning the confiscated media and literature found at his girlfriend’s residence. Hall, a former haulier, explained that his interest in cocks stemmed from a fascination with their breeding and the different types, which he had pursued since around 2004 or 2005. He claimed that a Traveller had bought one of his birds, and thereafter, Travellers frequently visited his farm, which he said left him feeling intimidated.

Hall maintained that he was forced into allowing the fights, claiming he filmed two sparring sessions with his birds alone at the farm and prepared videos of fights for the Travellers. He expressed a deep attachment to his birds, stating he did not want to part with them because he loved them. He described the Travellers’ visits as groups of about four, but insisted they were never visible in his videos and that he was never paid for hosting the fights.

In his defense, Hall stated, “The birds were my hobby. I was trying to recreate some of the old colours that have been lost, hence the books I had. I am interested in the social history of cockfighting.” He denied training his birds to fight, claiming only two birds were allowed to spar to select the stronger for breeding purposes.

His solicitor, Simon Nicholls, highlighted that all factual evidence presented was uncontested but emphasized that Hall had been physically threatened by Travellers, with reports of assaults and threats to burn his house and cause serious injury to him, his girlfriend, and his parents. These threats, he argued, were serious and coercive.

RSPCA Inspector Ben Kirby, who testified at the trial, explained the difficulty in investigating cockfighting due to its clandestine nature. He stated, “Cock fighting is a notoriously difficult offence to investigate because of its underground nature. It exists in certain elements of society but is not compatible with modern legislation. The RSPCA is becoming more proactive in fighting this offence, and we will prosecute whenever we get the opportunity.”

It was also revealed that Hall had a recent conviction for supplying drugs, adding to the seriousness of his criminal record.

In sentencing, Hall received an 18-week suspended prison sentence, a five-month curfew, and was ordered to pay £250 in costs. Additionally, he was handed a five-year ban on owning animals, reflecting the court’s stance on animal cruelty and illegal fighting activities.