9th October 2026
LATEST NEWS | Two men have been sentenced following offences linked to hunt activity in Devon, including the illegal hunting of a fox with dogs and incidents involving careless driving and disorderly behaviour towards hunt monitors.
Jason Marles, aged 44, from Chulmleigh, appeared before Exeter Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 23 September where he pleaded guilty to hunting a wild mammal with dogs.
Marles was ordered to pay a £500 fine, and £285 in costs.
During the same hearing, Thomas Bounsall, aged 32, from Princetown, was sentenced after admitting offences of careless driving and intentional disorderly behaviour relating to two separate incidents involving hunt monitors in Devon.
Bounsall was fined a total of £2,185 including associated court costs.
Sergeant Tom Ottley said: “With the start of the hunting season approaching, we recognise that hunting is an emotive issue which can generate strong feelings within the community.
“Devon & Cornwall Police takes all reports of suspected illegal hunting seriously and we will investigate offences where evidence is available.
“If you witness live illegal hunting activity taking place, please report it to us immediately by calling 999 and, where it is safe to do so, we would also encourage people to capture footage or other evidence which may assist any subsequent investigation.
“We would always remind members of the public not to place themselves at risk while gathering evidence.”
Anyone who has witnessed illegal hunting activity or anti-social behaviour (such as trespass, harassment or hounds out of control) is encouraged to report it to Police by filling in a form on the force website or by calling 101.
WHY do these evil bastards only get fines???On the news a while back someone got a 2 year jail sentence for going at a police officer, yet scum breaking the law Hunting get fines WHY???????