Shane Chapman pleaded guilty to assault and theft related to illegal hunting in West Dorset.
He pleaded guilty on Friday, July 19, 2024. The hearing occurred at Poole Magistrates’ Court. The hunting event happened September 26, 2023. It took place in West Dorset, Minterne Magna area. Chapman assaulted one person and stole property from another victim there.
Police Constable Haggett commented on rural crime. He works for the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team. The team will take action to stop rural crime. They aim to protect communities.
On February 21, 2025, another court hearing occurred. Weymouth Magistrates’ Court held it. Chapman received a Criminal Behaviour Order. It lasts five years.
Dorset Police set rules for Chapman. He must follow these restrictions. First, he can’t act antisocially or incite others to do so either. Antisocial conduct causes distress, alarm, or harassment.
Chapman cannot enter private farmland without written permission. The land owner or a legal representative must give it. He can’t enter farm buildings, including barns and gardens. Driveways and land near premises also apply.
He cannot make unsolicited visits to homes and businesses. He cannot possess wild animals in Dorset, dead or alive, without proving their origin. He cannot have a catapult, ball bearings, or pebbles.
He cannot go where hunting happens. Police Constable Haggett gave thanks to the Dorset Council team. They handle anti-social behavior cases and partnered with police on this case. They helped Chapman face the courts and become accountable for what he did.
Haggett urged the public to report any order breaches they see. The police will then fully investigate.