Hare coursing trial date fixed

SEVEN PEOPLE including former racehorse trainer Peter Easterby, trainer Sir Mark Prescott and the TV cook Clarissa Dickson Wright — are to be tried at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court next April under the Hunting With Dogs Act for alleged illegal hare coursing.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is prosecuting Miss Dickson Wright and Sir Mark, whereas the Crown Prosecution Service is bringing charges against the other five defendants, including Mr Easterby.

The charges refer to two incidents at Helmsley and Malton on March 2 and 3 2007. All of the accused deny the allegations made against them.