OFFICERS have successfully secured a criminal behaviour order (CBO) following a report of assault and theft at a hunting incident in the Sherborne area in October 2023.

A member of the public – a man aged in his 70s – had been assaulted during the incident around Leigh.

A detailed investigation was carried out and Christopher James Mills, aged 36 and of Lytchett Matravers, was arrested and charged with assault.

At a hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday, December 8, Mills entered a guilty plea and was fined £1,500. He was also made the subject of a CBO for a period of three years.

Mills is not to attend any location where there is a hunt taking place, whether that be pre-planned, informal or organised.

He also cannot attend, loiter or knowingly be within 1km of any hunt activity.

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.

“Special thanks to the Dorset Council Anti-Social Behaviour Team who have worked in partnership with us during this case.”