Calls for tougher new sentences for hare coursing
BBCA local Police and Crime Commissioner has joined calls for tougher sentences for those convicted of hare coursing, following a number of recent incidents in the region.
Wiltshire PCC Philip Wilkinson called the imposition of £300 fines for two men who recently pleaded guilty to the offence "extremely disappointing" and a "minimal punishment".
Current sentencing guidelines for hare coursing offences allow for an unlimited fine and a maximum of six months in prison.
Mr Wilkinson is urging those affected the crime to share their thoughts, with a consultation on sentencing running until 25th April.
In a statement Mr Wilkinson praised the efforts of Wiltshire Police in detecting hare coursers, but argued that the courts needed to treat offenders more severely.
"Wiltshire Police has adopted a whole force approach when dealing with rural crime, and this has begun to produce significant results in terms of arrests.
"Along with Operation Ragwort, a joint initiative which tackles rural crime with our neighbouring forces, this approach has been met with a positive response from our residents.
"It is important we maintain that level of confidence across the criminal justice system, and I have written to the new chair of the Wiltshire Magistrates Bench to express this.
"We know that rural crime is linked to organised crime groups, and by disrupting their illegal leisure activities, we can put a dent in their operations."
He argued that there was a lack of understanding of the "physical and psychological harm" caused by hare coursers and that the fines given out in recent cases were not proportional to the crime.
"Hare coursers have no qualms about the damage they cause, whether it's physical, emotional or financial".
He described coursing as a "truly heinous crime" and said that it was "extremely disappointing to see high harm criminals being released with minimal punishments."
"This is why I believe the sentencing of these crimes must match the robust nature of our policing and take fully into account the effect it has on its victims."
The consultation closes on 25th April and can be found on the Sentencing Council website.
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