Cork Ice Cream Vendor Fined for Illegal Hunting
Rathcormac, co. Cork – An ice cream van driver has been convicted of unlawful hunting and trespass on private land in North Cork. James Williams, 25, of Churchfield Gardens, Churchfield, Cork, was fined €250 by Fermoy District court following an incident on August 29, 2023.
According to evidence presented to the court by Inspector Jason wallace, a landowner near Rathcormac reported suspicious activity on their property shortly before midnight. Gardaí responding to the report observed two men, accompanied by lurcher dogs, leaving a farmyard carrying a powerful lamp commonly used for locating game.
Williams admitted to being on the land without permission and has 12 prior convictions. His defence solicitor, David O’Meara, stated Williams was walking on a public road and cited a long-standing tradition of hunting on farmland in North Cork, despite the lack of authorization.
However, Judge Colm Roberts dismissed the notion of the activity as legitimate hunting, stating, “it wouldn’t take a genius to join the dots” regarding the men’s intentions. He strongly condemned the practice,saying,”You are talking about little bunnies and two lurchers,it’s a massacre. This is not a sport, it’s bloodthirsty.”
Williams was convicted and given three months to pay the €250 fine. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding illegal hunting and trespass on private land, offenses covered under Section 44 of the Wildlife Act, 1976.
This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
