Three men sentenced for firearms and wildlife offences

Glyn Carley, 48, of Standard Hill Close, Ninfield, Robert Mepham, 50, and his son Sam Mepham, 22, both of Lakedown House, Broad Oak, Heathfield, were arrested following dawn raids in the Rother and Wealden areas just before Christmas last year.

The men were arrested in a multi-agency operation, codenamed Hallend, which took place early on the morning of December 21, 2009.

Sussex Police were joined by colleagues from the National Wildlife Crime Unit, the RSPCA, East Sussex County Council Trading Standards and Rother District Council as they executed warrants in Bexhill, Brightling, Ninfield, Robertsbridge, Salehurst and Broad Oak, Heathfield.

A representative from the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) also attended to provide technical advice.

At the hearing at Hastings Magistrates Court, Carley pleaded guilty to possessing ammunition for a firearm without a certificate, failing to comply with a condition of a firearm certificate (poor storage of ammunition) and possessing five mandarin ducks.

He was sentenced to two terms of 30 days’ imprisonment to run concurrently suspended for two years, 200 hours of unpaid work, £150 costs and ordered to forfeit ammunitions and the ducks.

Robert Mepham was found guilty of four counts of using a crossbow to kill a wild animal, possession of a dead mandarin duck and possession of ammunition without a certificate. He was sentenced to 90 days’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, 150 hours of unpaid work and ordered to forfeit the duck.

Sam Mepham was found guilty of using a crossbow to kill a deer and failing to comply with a condition of a firearm certificate (poor storage of ammunition). He was found not guilty of possessing a dead mandarin duck and sentenced to 150 hours and ordered to forfeit firearms, crossbows and ammunitions.

Two other men arrested on the same day on suspicion of offences under the Deer Act - a 63-year-old from Brightling and a 74-year-old from Mountfield - both received cautions earlier this

year.

Detective Inspector Brian Stuart at the National Wildlife Crime Unit said: “The unit fully supports the action by Sussex Police identifying and bringing to justice these criminals who sought to rape the countryside of its natural assets.

“Whilst wildlife crimes have been committed it is clear that there is a public safety message in relation to the use of weapons in particular the use and storage of crossbows and firearms which is of particular concern. “

Alonso Ercilla from ESCC Trading Standards said it was“very pleased with the outcome of this investigation” and hope that it “sends out a loud and clear message to people involved in this type of illegal activity that it will not be tolerated.”

Detective Inspector Ian Williams, who led the investigation said he was “pleased with the outcome” adding: “It is difficult to bring offenders involved in wildlife crime to justice and to do so in this case has attracted a great deal of support from the local community.”

To report a crime contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.