Three convicted in Hertfordshire's first hare coursing prosecution

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 17:08 · Archive

Three men have been convicted of hare coursing at Hunsdon Airfield in what is believed to be Hertfordshire's first successful prosecution for the offence.

Three men were convicted after a trial at Stevenage Magistrates' Court in July following an incident at Hunsdon Airfield on 22 November 2025. Police responded to reports of hare coursing and detained three men at the scene. They claimed to have permission to be there, but enquiries showed they did not. Officers found two lurchers hidden in the vehicle's boot and the men wore clothes suited to muddy fields. All three were charged with possessing equipment to search for or pursue hares with dogs and denied the charge but were convicted.

Johnny Delaney, 44, of Fanshawe Road, Cambridge, received a community order lasting until 2 March 2028 and a two-year criminal behaviour order. He was ordered to pay a fine, a victim surcharge and court costs. The criminal behaviour order bans him from entering Hunsdon Airfield, trespassing in Hertfordshire with lurcher or lurcher-type dogs, or associating with people who have such dogs whilst trespassing. Michael Delaney, 65, of Wharf Road, Wormley, was sentenced on 18 August and also ordered to pay a fine, a victim surcharge and court costs.

Sergeant David Miller said the convictions demonstrated the police's commitment to tackling rural crime. He noted that hare coursing can cause significant distress to landowners, residents and the farming community.

How it is being reported

• Three convicted of hare coursing at Hertfordshire airfield in landmark caseThree men have been convicted in what is believed to be Hertfordshire's first successful prosecution for hare coursingThe Comet · 21 Oct, 14:55
• Three convicted of hare coursing at Hertfordshire airfield in landmark caseThree men have been convicted in what is believed to be Hertfordshire's first successful prosecution for hare coursingHerts Advertiser · 21 Oct, 14:55

In this story: Hunsdon Airfield · Hertfordshire · Johnny Delaney · Michael Delaney · East Herts Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team

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