WESLEY JEFFERSON AND BRADLEY ATKINSON CAUGHT HARE COURTING IN NELSON AND PADIHAM

Wesley Jefferson, born around 1988 and residing on Hibson Road in Nelson BB9, along with Bradley Atkinson, born approximately in 1992 and living on Cliff Street in Padiham BB12 8PN, have been convicted of engaging in illegal hare coursing activities. The conviction stems from an incident that took place on July 5, 2023, when the Ribble Valley Rural Task Force apprehended the pair in the Bashall Eaves area of Clitheroe.

According to reports, the officers observed two lurcher-type dogs actively pursuing a hare, an activity that is illegal and considered a serious wildlife crime. The men were subsequently detained and questioned about their involvement. Both Jefferson and Atkinson claimed that they were merely out for a walk with their dogs, a defense that the court ultimately dismissed as unconvincing and inconsistent with the evidence presented.

Following the investigation, the court found both men guilty of trespassing with the intent to hunt or pursue hares using dogs, a violation that carries significant legal penalties. Notably, Bradley Atkinson failed to appear at the sentencing hearing, and the proceedings were conducted in his absence. Jefferson, who is also known for breeding dogs in his backyard, showed a brazen attitude as he left the court, whistling the tune of Laurel and Hardy’s theme song. This act of apparent arrogance was noted by officials and contrasted sharply with the seriousness of the conviction.

Sergeant Kevin Day commented on Jefferson’s behavior, stating, “Jefferson amused himself by whistling the Laurel and Hardy theme tune as I exited the court building. This ditty is generally reserved for when one of our clients perceives that they have secured a win of some description, not when they have just been found guilty and sentenced for a crime.”

As a result of their convictions, both men were ordered to pay fines and costs totaling £941. The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat illegal hare coursing, a practice that poses a threat to local wildlife and is increasingly targeted by authorities in the Lancashire region. The incident underscores the importance of wildlife protection laws and the persistent challenge of enforcing them against those who seek to exploit rural areas for illegal sport.