3rd July 2026
Pensioner David Carter discharged a paintball gun at two members of the local hunt after objecting to hounds straying on to his Ipstones wildlife sanctuary.
The 77-year-old also confronted two members of the hunt
Wildlife-lover David Carter fired a gun at two men involved in a hunt after hounds strayed on to his land.
The 77-year-old confronted the two members of the hunt who were on a quad bike.
He stood on the road outside his Ipstones wildlife sanctuary so the quad bike could not pass while holding a paintball gun which looked like a real firearm.
He complained about the hunting but the men asked him to move out of the way.
They asked why he had a firearm on a public highway. He reacted and raised the weapon, pointed it at the quad bike ride from about a metre away and pulled the trigger.
The gun, which had a gas cartridge, made a loud noise and discharged smoke.
The rider was aged 64 and his heart was not strong a court heard.
Both men were in fear for their lives and safety. Prosecutor Ben Lawrence told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court the incident happened in Ipstones on November 11, 2024.
Mr Lawrence said: The defendant runs a wildlife sanctuary. He objects to the hounds from the hunt on his land.
He heard the quad bike and went to confront them.
They believed the gun was real.
They believed they may have been shot at.
They took a moment to ascertain if they had been shot.
They left on the quad bike and said they were going to call the police.
But it was Carter who called the police and said he had shot a paintball gun at the quad bike rider. He was arrested and the gun was seized.
Mr Lawrence added: This was conduct intended to maximise fear or distress. Carter, of Coley Hole, Ipstones, pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
Lesley Barnett, mitigating, said Carter is extremely frail and turns 78 next week. He has physical health issues, the case has affected him mentally and he felt unable to cope. Miss Barnett said: He is a quiet, reclusive man struggling with anxiety. He has worked to create a safe wildlife sanctuary.
He has succeeded. There are bats, badgers, deer, foxes, all kinds of birds and insects. He is an excellent carpenter and there are numerous bird boxes across his land.
There have been issues with the hunt. Neighbours have tried to follow the correct channels in terms of the issues. He accepts responsibilities for his actions. He called the police.
At the time no-one had made a complaint.
The gun was purchased legitimately as a paintball gun. He does not have ammunition in his possession.
There was no intention to cause injury to persons, no planning, it was not sophisticated. He heard the quad and ran to the end of the drive, not even thinking he still had the gun in his hand. It was a split-second.
\Since this incident, there have been no further incidents of hounds straying on to their land. It is extremely sad it has taken this incident and the trauma to all parties to stop what was the cause of this in the the first place.
Judge Richard McConaghy sentenced Carter to nine months in prison, suspended for 12 months, and made a deprivation order for the paintball gun.
Judge McConaghy said: On November 11, 2024 you came into confrontation with two men who were involved in the local hunt. You had a paintball gun in your hand. You were clearly upset about the hunt and the way in which the dogs had strayed on to your land.
I accept you had not taken it out with you that day with the intention of a confrontation. You did, however, in the midst of the confrontation, point it in their direction and pull the trigger. It was not loaded but it made a bang and it let off some gas.
It is disappointing to see a man of your age and previous good character in front of the court for a case of this seriousness.
This was not a case in which there was an intent to maximise fear or distress. The offence is so serious the custody threshold is passed. You can’t dicharge something that looks like a firearm at other individuals.
Considering your history and the very high likelihood of you not re-offending, your case is appropriate to suspend.
https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/stoke-on-trent-news/oap-fired-paintball-gun-hounds-11033369
This is outrageous, Mr Carter was only protecting his land yet he gets arrested. What about the scum HUNTING ILLEGALLY?????Why were they not arrested??????????????????????This is just ridiculous arresting someone for protecting their property and animals against filthy bastards that are hunting illegally, time the law got its act together and started getting the right people in jail. These parasites have been hunting for 22 years illegally yet not one has gone to prison not only have they been hunting illegally they have also assaulted SABS yet still no prison sentences WHY. Is it because a lot of the legal profession HUNT???????????????????Time the public took charge instead of these pompous arrogant legal people who do not do their job. SICK SICK SICK