Persistent poacher gets first area Asbo

Prolific poacher John Langan, 26, from Sowerby Crescent, Stokesley, was responsible for a “high number” of incidents in the area between January 30, 2005, and January 10 this year and is the first person to get an Asbo for poaching offences in the Humberside Police area.

The order bars him from causing alarm, harassment or distress in the force area and from entering it other than to catch or arrive on a ferry from Hull with pre-booked tickets, to travel to and from Humberside Airport with pre-booked tickets, to work in the East Riding in the construction industry, or to stop to buy fuel.

Pc Julie Turrell, rural beat officer for the East Riding, said: “This Asbo should send a clear message to others who consider coming to the Humberside Police area to commit acts of poaching or hare coursing that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We would urge people to report any suspicious activities, or anyone they believe to be engaged in poaching-related activities, to their neighbourhood policing team.”

Langan could face prosecution and a substantial fine or a prison sentence if he is found to have breached the order, which was imposed by magistrates in Hull.