SENTENCED | Rural Crime Team officers have successfully secured a criminal behaviour order following a detailed investigation into a report of assault and theft at a hunting incident in the Sherborne area.
On Tuesday, 3 October 2023, a member of the public – a man aged in his 70s – had been assaulted at a hunt incident in the area of Leigh.
A detailed investigation was carried out, and Christopher James Mills, aged 36 and of Lytchett Matravers, was subsequently arrested and charged with assault.
At a hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday, 8 December 2025, Mills entered a guilty plea and was fined £1,500. He was also made the subject of a criminal behaviour order for a period of three years.
The order stated Mill is:
1. Not to attend any location where there is a hunt taking place, whether that be pre-planned, informal or organised.
2. Not to attend, loiter or knowingly be within 1 km of any hunt activity. Should he find himself in such a condition he must report himself immediately.
Sergeant Natalie Skinner, from the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team, said: “We will continue to take proactive action to prevent and deter rural crime. If Mills is seen to breach his order, I would urge members of the public to contact the police so that the matter can be investigated.
“Can I say a special thanks to the Dorset Council Anti-Social Behaviour Team who have worked in partnership with us during this case.”
