Poachers plead not guilty to hunting a wild mammal
By Court reporter | 15th February 2019
Two poachers arrested in a field near Tewkesbury have pleaded not guilty to 'hunting a wild mammal' and are to stand trial at Cheltenham Magistrates Court.
Bradley Holbrook, 18, of Brynglas, Caerphilly and Nicholas O'Brien, 38, of Mary Street, Pontypridd, admit they were rabbiting being in the field at Claydon, Tewkesbury on 15th August last year but deny that a hunt took place.
Their solicitor Ellery Reese told the magistrates yesterday that for an offence against the Hunting Act to be proved "an animal has to be in pursuit - but no animal was chased in this instance."
He went on "Had they have been charged with poaching at the time they would have been banged to rights.
"But no rabbits were disturbed and no rabbits were pursued" Mr Reese told the court.
The pair were told they will stand trial on 11th April. They have been released on unconditioal bail until then.
Related Articles
Copyright 2024 Moose Partnership Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any content is strictly forbidden without prior permission.