Five Charged Following Night Poaching Incident Near Amesbury
Date: 24 June, 2025
Five men have been charged in connection with a night poaching investigation after an incident earlier this year near Cholderton, Amesbury.
On the evening of 29 January, 2025, a group of individuals wearing camouflage clothing and accompanied by dogs were spotted in a field. Concerned members of the public reported the activity to police, prompting an investigation.
As a result, five men have now been charged under the Night Poaching Act 1828:
• Sean McWhinnie, 44, of Lizard Close, Southampton
• William Goddard, 41, of Norbury Gardens, Hamble-le-Rice, Hampshire
• Billy Goddard, 21, of Norbury Gardens, Hamble-le-Rice, Hampshire
• Jesse Dennard, 26, of Darenth Wood Road, Darenth, Kent
• Riley Dennard, 18, of Billet Hill, Ash, Kent
McWhinnie and the Dennards are due to appear at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on 23 July, while William and Billy Goddard are scheduled to appear on 8 August.
Hampshire Constabulary take rural and wildlife crime seriously and have thanked the public for promptly reporting suspicious activity. Poaching has a significant impact on the farming communities and local wildlife, and the police are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.