The huntsman of the Cheshire Hounds hunt has been found guilty of illegal hunting under the Hunting Act 2004.
John Finnegan, 38, of Kennel Lane in Cuddington, Northwich, failed to show up in court as he was found guilty of two charges of hunting a wild mammal with a dog. Finnegan goes by the nickname of ‘Ollie’.
Finnegan hunted a fox with dogs on November 12 last year in Chorley Green.
He then committed the same offence on November 26, this time in Marbury.
He was due to appear at Crewe Magistrates Court on Wednesday (August 30) but did not show.
Finnegan was nevertheless found guilty and handed a criminal behaviour order which came into effect immediately.
The order, which lasts for two years, states that Finnegan must be able to evidence where a trail has been laid on the day of a trail hunt for which is the huntsman, and must be able to produce this evidence when asked by a police officer.
It also states he must keep the hounds under close control and they must remain in his sight at all times.
The order also bans him from having more than 10 hounds on a trail hunt that he is the huntsman for.
He must not allow the hounds onto private land without permission, which he must have in writing and have in his possession.
Finally, the order stats Finnegan must not let the hounds enter wooded areas unless he can provide evidence that a trail has been laid.
On top of this, Finnegan was fined £1,000 and must pay £150 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service, along with a surcharge of £800.
He must pay the full amount by September 27, 2023.
This is not the first time Finnegan has been handed a fine for his involvment in illegal hunting.
Finnegan was the huntsman the Quorn Hunt who were caught illegally hunting in Hartpury, Gloucestershire, with the Ledbury Hunt.
He was ordered to pay £1,331 last December after Gloucestershire Police uncovered messages which showed him bragging and admitting to the illegal hunting of foxes.
Hunt Details: Cheshire Hunt
Source: Northwich & Winsford Guardian
