Dillon Broderick, Kai Cartwright, John James Thompson and Scott Walpole appeared at the magistrates’ court in Workington on Tuesday, July 28 to answer charges brought by the RSPCA. Police discovered material of the wildlife crime after seizing a phone from Walpole, 29, who was being investigated for a different crime.

Broderick, 22, of Main Street in Ellenborough, Maryport, pleaded guilty to wilfully killing a badger on February 18, 2018; killing a deer during the close season on March 11, 2018; killing a deer at night on the same date; killing a deer during the close season on March 13, 2018; wilfully killing a badger on April 15, 2018; and interfering with a badger sett on April 15, 2018 by causing a dog to enter it with intent or being reckless as to whether his actions would have that consequence. Walpole, 29, whose address was given as H M Prison, Holme House, Stockton-on-Tees, pleaded guilty to the same offences as Broderick, as well as admitting to intentionally killing two mallards on April 4, 2018.

Cartwright, 22, of Alexander Close, Workington, and John James Thompson, 27, of Harriston, Aspatria, both admitted to wilfully killing a badger on April 15, 2018 and interfering with a badger sett on April 15, 2018 by causing a dog to enter it with intent or being reckless as to whether their actions would have that consequence as well as unpaid work.

Broderick and Walpole each received a two-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, for the crimes against the deer, as well as a four-month jail sentence suspended for 18 months, for the other offences.

The court also ordered them to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

Cartwright and Thompson were each given a four month jail term, suspended for 18 months, and were ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

All defendants were banned from having custody of a dog for life, or until a further order is made.

Source: Times & Star

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