An investigation was started after a man was arrested by police for a different crime and photographs of badger digging and baiting were found on his mobile phone. Cumbria police worked with the RSPCA and their investigation concluded when four men appeared at Workington Magistrate’s court on Tuesday 28th July.

Dillon Broderick, Kai Cartwright, John James Thompson and Scott Walpole all pleaded guilty to a number of animal cruelty offences which are detailed below.

Broderick, 22, of Main Street in Ellenborough, Maryport, pleaded guilty to wilfully killing a badger on February 18, 2018; killing a deer during the close season on March 11, 2018; killing a deer at night on the same date; killing a deer during the close season on March 13, 2018; wilfully killing a badger on April 15, 2018; and interfering with a badger sett on April 15, 2018 by causing a dog to enter it with intent or being reckless as to whether his actions would have that consequence. He received a two-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, for the crimes against the deer, as well as a four-month jail sentence suspended for 18 months, for the other offences. The court also ordered him to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

Cartwright, 22, of Alexander Close, Workington, and John James Thompson, 27, of Harriston, Aspatria, both admitted to wilfully killing a badger on April 15, 2018 and interfering with a badger sett on April 15, 2018 by causing a dog to enter it with intent or being reckless as to whether their actions would have that consequence as well as unpaid work. They were each given a four month jail term, suspended for 18 months, and were ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

Walpole, 29, whose address was given as H M Prison, Holme House, Stockton-on-Tees, pleaded guilty to the same offences as Broderick, as well as admitting to intentionally killing two mallards on April 4, 2018. He received a two-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, for the crimes against the deer, as well as a four-month jail sentence suspended for 18 months, for the other offences. The court also ordered him to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

All defendants were banned from having custody of a dog for life, or until a further order is made.

RSPCA Investigating officer Jason Bowles said: “On the phone we found multiple images and videos showing the men out with their dogs, digging into badger setts and setting their dogs on badgers. “This ‘sport’ is cruel and barbaric, and I’m sure this footage would be incredibly upsetting for the public to see.”

PC Samantha O’Key, Cumbria Police wildlife, rural and environmental crime coordinator, said: “We are very pleased with the outcome of this investigation and the subsequent convictions that have been brought against these individuals, as Cumbria Police takes animal cruelty very seriously. We worked diligently with our RSPCA colleagues and this is a good example of partnership working at its most effective.”

An excellent report on the case by Melissa Major for the News & Star can be found here

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