An investigation into James Kent began on Christmas Day last year.
12th September 2025
A man’s car has been crushed after he was caught hare coursing by police. James Kent, 40, of Crankwood Road, Wigan, was found guilty of multiple wildlife and trespassing offences following incidents of illegal hare coursing near Ormskirk.
His Nissan X-Trail, used during the crimes, was seized and crushed earlier today (September 12). Kent had previously been issued with a five-year criminal behaviour order in July, prohibiting him from trespassing on any land in Lancashire while in custody of a Lurcher-type dog.
An investigation was launched after police received reports of hare coursing on land off Whiteleys Lane in Ormskirk on Christmas Day last year and again on January 26, 2025. Officers found Lurcher-type dogs had been used to chase and kill wild hares, prompting further inquiries.
Kent was found guilty at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court of eight separate offences: two counts of hunting a wild animal with dogs, two counts of trespass with intent to search for or pursue hares with dogs, two counts of being equipped for searching for or pursuing hares with dogs and two counts of daytime trespass in pursuit of game.
The court ordered the seizure of the Nissan X-Trail used during the offences, which police confirmed has now been destroyed.
PC Sean Dalby from the South Rural Task Force said: “As Rural Crime Action Week comes to a close, it is hoped that this sends out a strong message to those considering hare coursing or any other form of rural crime in South Lancashire – you will be caught, prosecuted and stripped of the tools you use to commit offences.
“Hare coursing is a cruel and illegal activity that causes harm to wildlife and distress to rural communities. It is not only a serious animal welfare issue, but it also causes significant damage to farmland, often leaving farmers and landowners facing costly repairs and disruption.
“We hope that this demonstrates our determination to protect the countryside and acts as a strong deterrent to anyone thinking of committing similar crimes here.”
Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Addressing crime in rural communities is just as vital as tackling it in our towns and cities. During my previous term as Commissioner, I invested in the creation of dedicated rural taskforces, and I’m proud to see them continuing to make a real impact.
“I’m committed to helping our rural policing teams go even further in improving safety and security. That means building resilience, focusing on the crimes that matter most to rural residents, offering better support to victims, and protecting those who are most vulnerable.
“As Commissioner, I will ensure the Chief Constable has the resources needed to deliver the best possible policing, whether in our countryside or larger towns and cities.”
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/mans-car-crushed-after-what-32467276