A Nelson man, who appeared in court for trespass with intent to search for or to pursue hares with dogs, whistled the Laurel and Hardy theme tune whilst leaving court – despite being found guilty.

Wesley Jefferson, 36, of Hibson Road, Nelson, and Bradley Atkinson, of Cliff Street, Padiham were both found guilty of illegal hare coursing and were issued with fines and costs totalling £941.

The incident took place on July 5, 2023, when two lurcher-type dogs were observed to be pursuing a hare in the Bashall Eaves area of Clitheroe.

Ribble Valley Rural Task Force attended and observed the dogs chasing the hare.

Both men recovered the dogs and claimed that they were just “walking the dogs”.

The two dogs were spotted by police (Image: Lancashire Constabulary)

The magistrates considered the evidence and dismissed Jefferson’s account and found both men guilty of the offence.

Atkinson did not attend the hearing, and the sentence was passed in his absence.

Sergeant Kevin Day said: “Jefferson amused himself by whistling the Laurel and Hardy theme tune as I exited the court building.

“This ditty is generally reserved for when one of our clients perceives that they have secured a win of some description, not when they have just been found guilty and sentenced for a crime.”

Hunting with dogs is illegal in all but very limited circumstances. Hare coursing and similar activities often result in the pursued wild mammal being killed in an inhumane manner.

Lancashire Police’s Rural Task Force will seek prosecutions for anyone caught engaged in such an activity.

https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/24807574.wesley-jefferson-bradley-atkinson-fined-dog-hunting/