23rd September 2025
A second group of men have appeared in court over a “brazen” day of hare coursing in January 2025.
Across the space of two weeks, 24 men have been in court charged in connection with the hare coursing and disorder which took place on January 25, 2025.
The arrests and charges were made in connection with a force-wide investigation into the criminal activity, including hare coursing, criminal damage and dangerous driving.
Significant disruption was caused in communities in Fordham, Ely, Prickwillow, Littleport, Welney, Chatteris, March, Wimblington and Doddington.
A total of 43 individuals were arrested and one juvenile voluntarily interviewed.
25 were charged with a combination of 39 offences.
Francie Lee, Tom Bower, Roy Lee, Samuel Sheady, Levi Lee, Miles Doran, Tony Taylor, Mark Harris Senior, Mark Harris, Bobby-James Harris, Francie Doherty and Quie Doherty all appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on September 12.
The following men appeared in Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on September 19.
WILLIAM DEADMAN SENIOR, 47, of Bickenhill Lane, Solihull, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop. He was given a £200 fine.
ANTHONY COYLE, 32, of Pilgrims Lane, Grays, pleaded not guilty to attending a hare coursing event and will appear at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on February 26 for trial.
FREDRICK BUTCHER, 51, of Chelmsford Road, Ingatestone, pleaded not guilty to attending a hare coursing event and will appear at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on February 12 for trial.
BENJAMIN LEE, 27, of High Meadow Farm, Melton Road, Barrow Upon Soar, pleaded not guilty to attending a hare coursing event and will appear at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on February 26 for trial.
FREDDY-COLE BUTCHER, 23, of Chelmsford Road, Ingatestone, pleaded not guilty to theft from a shop and will appear at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on March 3 for trial.
JAMES HERNE, 24, of Fen Road, Cambridge, pleaded not guilty to attending a hare coursing event and theft from a shop. He will appear at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on February 12 for trial. The Crown offered no evidence for theft and it was removed.
FRANCIS COYLE, 20, of Pilgrims Lane, Grays, pleaded not guilty to attending a hare coursing event and will appear at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on February 26 for trial.
A 13-year-old boy from Solihull pleaded guilty to driving otherwise in accordance with a licence and driving with no insurance. He was given a £50 fine and six penalty points.
EDWARD STEVENSON, 26, of Fen Road, Cambridge, pleaded not guilty to attending a hare coursing event and will appear at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on February 5 for trial.
MICHAEL STEVENSON, 25, of Fen Road, Cambridge, pleaded not guilty to attending a hare coursing even and will appear at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on February 12 for trial.
JOHN LEE, 24, of Fen Road, Cambridge, pleaded not guilty to attending a hare coursing event and breaching a community protection notice and will appear at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on February 12 for trial.
MARK LOVERIDGE, 45, of Milton Close, Slough, charged with driving a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition, will reappear at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on September 26.
Detective Inspector Matthew Selves, who has led the investigation, said: “Following a thorough investigation into incidents of hare coursing and violent disorder that took place in January this year, 25 individuals have been charged.
“Over the past two weeks, 24 of those have appeared in court.
“Some have entered guilty pleas, while others have pled not guilty and will now face trial.
“This marks a significant step forward in the investigation and the judicial process.”
https://www.cambstimes.co.uk/news/25487615.group-men-court-january-2025-hare-coursing/
THE WHOLE LOT OF THIS SCUM SHOULD BE LOCKED UP THEY ARE VILE MURDERING EVIL BASTARDS. I HOPE THEY TAKE AWAY EVERYTHING THAT IS TO DO WITH HARE COURSING THEY SHIULD ALSO HAVE THEIR DRIVING LICENCES TAKEN OFF THEM THAT WOULD HURT THEM MORE THAN ANYTHING.