First conviction of its kind costs hare courser �1100

A MAN pleaded guilty yesterday (Wednesday) to two hare coursing offences in what is believed to be the first conviction of its kind under the Hunting Act in relation to hare coursing in the UK.Jimmy Cash, who is 45 and from Lybury Lane in Redbourn was co

A MAN pleaded guilty yesterday (Wednesday) to two hare coursing offences in what is believed to be the first conviction of its kind under the Hunting Act in relation to hare coursing in the UK.

Jimmy Cash, who is 45 and from Lybury Lane in Redbourn was convicted at Stevenage Magistrates' Court of an offence contrary to the New Hunting Act 2004 and another contrary to poaching in connection with an incident which happened at around 8am on October 21, 2008 on Sandon Road in Therfield. He was fined �350 for each offence, �400 costs and �15 compensation.

Pc Paul Marina, Royston's rural officer, said: "I saw Jimmy Cash walk to an area of farm land and then release his dog that coursed but never caught a hare. The lurcher then ran to the officer who seized the dog whilst other officers arrested Mr Cash.

"Hare coursing has a very negative effect on our rural communities and it is important we target those responsible. We carry out proactive patrols in our rural communities to combat these crimes and positive results such as these are hugely important to deter others from committing similar offences.

"I hope this sends a clear message to criminals that we take hare coursing seriously and will take action against offenders."

Pc Marina has reduced incidents of Hare coursing in North Hertfordshire by over 60 per cent since he joined the Rural Royston team in 2003.

He is considered as one of the country's top authorities in preventing hare coursing and frequently uses his knowledge of traffic legislation and the illegal use of red diesel to deter offenders from hare coursing.