26th August 2026
A 21-year-old Minsterworth man is among five people accused of going equipped for illegal hare coursing in Gloucestershire earlier this year.
Billy Smith of Starcroft Lane, Minsterworth, is alleged to have been equipped with a car, dogs, lamps and slingshot to search or pursue hares in the Cheltenham area on January 27, 2026.
The other four defendants are all from the Newport and Merthyr Tydfil areas of South Wales.
They are: Jayden Lewis, 21, of Pantyffn Road, Penyard, Merthyr; Thomas Hearne, 20, of Blaenant Road, Nantyglo; William Bridges, 18, of Stone Houses, Blaina, Abertillery; and Tom Regan, 24, of Gwalia Terrace, Blaina.
The charge against the men states that their alleged actions were a breach of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2023.
All five were listed before Cheltenham Magistrates Court last week Tuesday, August 18, and their case was adjourned till September 30, when they will be expected to enter their pleas to the charge.
LOCK THE BASTARDS UP.