Magistrates Confiscate Vehicle Of Illegal Hare Courser

ELY magistrates confiscated the car of a man convicted of illegal hare coursing this week. Patrick Ward was also banned from driving for a year, and fined �1,000. Ward, 49, of Bedworth, Coventry, had denied daytime trespass in pursuit of game at Orwell Pi

ELY magistrates confiscated the car of a man convicted of illegal hare coursing this week.

Patrick Ward was also banned from driving for a year, and fined �1,000.

Ward, 49, of Bedworth, Coventry, had denied daytime trespass in pursuit of game at Orwell Pit Farm, Little Downham, but was found guilty after a trial.

Prosecutor Penny Cannon said Ward was seen at the farm with three other people and three dogs on January 16; one of the dogs had been seen chasing game.

Ward had claimed he was on a public path, and had not gone on to farmland. He said he did not have a dog; but his teenage son had been rabbiting with a dog.

The court ordered Ward to pay �620 costs and a �15 surcharge.