Ormskirk Hare Coursing Offender’s Vehicle Seized and Crushed, Court Orders

A vehicle used during hare coursing in Ormskirk has been seized and crushed following a court order.

Back in July, James Kent was issued with a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) which states that he must not trespass on any land in Lancashire in the custody of a lurcher type dog.

An investigation into Kent began after police received reports of hare coursing on the land off Whiteley’s Lane in Ormskirk on Christmas Day and on 26th January, whereby lurcher type dogs were being allowed to kill wild hares.

 Kent, 40, of Crankwood Road, Wigan was found guilty of eight 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 pursing hares with dogs and two counts of daytime trespass in pursuit of game.

The order, which was passed at Lancaster Magistrates, also required him to forfeit the Nissan X-Trail used during his offending which has today (Friday 12th September, 2025) been crushed.

PC Sean Dalby from the South Rural Task Force said: As Rural Crime Action Week (8th-12th September) 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."