A 16-year-old boy has been sentenced for hare coursing in Sulhamsted.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted hunting a wild mammal with dogs when he appeared at Reading Youth Court on Wednesday, May 23, after being charged on April 12.

The charge related to an incident on December 17 last year when officers were called to suspected hare coursers on private lane near the Spring Inn public house.

Officers found and arrested the boy who had been seen hare coursing with his dog.

The boy was sentenced to a six-month conditional discharge, ordered to pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £15. He was also required to sign an acceptable behaviour agreement.

Investigating officer Sergeant Damien Isherwood, based at Newbury police station, said: “Hare coursing is a barbaric activity in which wild animals are subjected to cruel unnecessary suffering.

“Apart from the impact on wildlife, offenders often also damage crops and land, which is distressing for the land owners.

“Thames Valley Police treats rural crime as a priority and it will not be tolerated.

“Anyone with information about rural crime is asked to call 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”