Father and son duo to face court over hare coursing charges
William Frederick Light, 62, and his son William Joseph Light, 28, both from Star Hill, Hartley Wintney, are set to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 21 May.
Serious Charges Under New Legislation
They face two charges linked to hare coursing, under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022:
- Trespassing with intent to search for or pursue hares with dogs (Section 63)
- Being equipped for searching for or pursuing hares with dogs (Section 64)
Police Called After Suspicious Activity
The charges follow a police callout on 28 October 2023. Officers were alerted at 4.52pm to suspected hare coursing on land in Crondall.
Hare coursing is an illegal blood sport involving dogs hunting hares, causing considerable concern among rural communities.
The case highlights authorities cracking down on wildlife crime using tightened laws.
