Four suspected hare coursers banned from Cambridgeshire farms

Four men suspected of nearly 60 hare coursing offences have been banned from entering farmland in Cambridgeshire.

Denny Loveridge, James Crickmore, John Jefford and Mark Loveridge were caught by police using a new database designed to track and convict suspected hare coursers. 

The county court injunctions mean the men cannot enter any farmland in Cambridgeshire between 31 July and 31 March, the months of the hare coursing “season”.

See also: Hare coursing – what you need to know if your farm is targeted

The judge was satisfied that he had heard evidence showing the men had been involved in hare coursing over a two-year period and therefore handed the men injunctions.

Speaking after the case, PC Gareth Tanner, of Cambridgshire Constabulary, said: “This is an excellent result for the rural community and one of the first of its kind. I’m confident that the conditions granted will be effective. 

“This has been a considerable piece of work, both due to the complexity of the tactics used, and the amount of evidence presented at court because of the sheer persistence of these individuals.

“Hare coursing costs the farming community thousands every year in damages to crops and land, as well as the obvious cruelty issues.”

Three-year injunctions

Mark Loveridge (left) and John Jefford © Cambridgeshire Constabulary

Mark Loveridge, 38, of Milton Place, Horton, Slough, Berkshire, was suspected of 13 hare coursing incidents. He must not own a sighthound or drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle during hare-coursing season.  

John Jefford, 42, of Scotland Road, Cambridge, was suspected of 13 hare-coursing incidents. He must not own a sighthound or be in the company of another person with one.  

Denny Loveridge (left) and James Crickmore © Cambridgeshire Constabulary

Denny Loveridge, 38, of Mill Place Caravan Park, Datchet, Slough, was suspected of 17 incidents. He must not own a sighthound or drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle during hare-coursing season.  

James Crickmore, 38, of Fen Road, Cambridge, was suspected of 26 incidents. He must not own a sighthound or be in the company of another person with one. 

The injunctions are in place for three years.