A BBC undercover reporter infiltrated a badger baiting gang and covertly filmed them digging for badgers. A subsequent RSPCA investigation resulted in four men being jailed today at Cardiff Crown Court.

Christian Latcham, 32, from Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taff, was jailed for 26 weeks, Cyle Jones, 31 and Jamie Rush, 27, both from Brecon, Powys were each sentenced to 22 weeks in prison. Thomas Young, 26, from Newbridge, Caerphilly, was sentenced to 20 weeks custody suspended for 12 months and to a home curfew between 9pm and 6am.

All these individuals are reported to have previous convictions for animal cruelty. See here, here and here.

Full marks to the BBC, its undercover reporter and team and the RSPCA Special Operations Unit. But how long before these sick criminals return to their sadistic activities?