writes Phil Hill

THE case against two men accused of illegal hunting has been adjourned until just before Christmas.

Richard Down, 56, of Kittisford Farm, Bathealton, and Martin John Watts, 56, of Kennel Lane, West Bagborough, both deny the charge.

Taunton Magistrates' Court heard yesterday (Thursday) that the pair are jointly charged with hunting a wild mammal with a dog.

They are alleged to have carried out a class of hunting not exempted under the Hunting Act 2004 at Trendle Ring, Bicknoller, on March 18 this year.

The case was adjourned until December 19 for a case management hearing, which the two defendants do not need to attend.

Originally published in the Somerset County Gazette

READ MORE: Dorset Police hasn't made one prosecution for illegal hunting