A second man has pleaded guilty to killing a deer by hitting it on the head in an extensive investigation into poaching in Dorset.

Yesterday (Wednesday), a 28-year-old man from Sway in Hampshire, entered a guilty plea relating to an animal cruelty offence that involved him and his co-defendant holding down a deer while he struck it over the head with a blunt object.

The co-defendant is a 23-year-old man from Bransgore who has already admitted a total of 13 offences. They consist of:

• Seven counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal

• Three counts of criminal damage

• Handling stolen goods

• Using a motor vehicle on a road or public place without third party insurance

• Driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence

This follows a search at an address in Bransgore in Hampshire on October 3, 2022 as part of an investigation into allegations of cruelty to deer and hares.

The sentencing hearing is due to be held at Bournemouth Crown Court on April 4.

The third defendant in this case, a 25-year-old Bournemouth man, has already been sentenced for three counts of criminal damage and received a community order with a requirement to carry out unpaid work in the community.