Five charged as part of night poaching investigation

The men have been charged under the Night Poaching Act 1828

Five people have been charged as part of a police investigation into night poaching.

A group of men wearing camouflage and with dogs were seen in a field on 29 January near Cholderton, Amesbury, said Wiltshire Police.

Riley Dennard, 18, of Billet Hill, Ash, Kent; Jesse Dennard, 26, of Darenth Wood Road, Darenth, Kent; Billy Goddard, 21, of Norbury Gardens, Hamble-le-Rice, Hampshire; William Goddard, 41, of Norbury Gardens, Hamble-le-Rice, Hampshire; and Sean McWhinnie, 44, of Lizard Close, Southampton, have been charged under the Night Poaching Act 1828.

Under the act, it is an offence to unlawfully take or destroy any game or rabbits on any land, open or enclosed, at night.

Jesse and Riley Dennard, and Sean McWhinnie, are due to appear at Salisbury Magistrates' Court on 23 July.

William and Billy Goddard are due to appear at the same court on 8 August.