Man Charged After Animal Carcasses Found Outside Churches in New Forest

A man has been charged in connection with a series of disturbing incidents involving the discovery of dead animals at locations across the New Forest, including outside churches.

Benjamin Lewis, 47, of Kinross Road in Totton, has been charged with a total of 13 offences, following an investigation by Hampshire Police into the unexplained deaths of deer and lambs earlier this year.

The charges include:
• Four counts of racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage
• Four counts of racially or religiously aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress
• Two counts of theft
• Two counts of criminal damage
• One count of racially or religiously aggravated harassment without violence

The charges relate to five separate incidents reported between Wednesday 5 February and Tuesday 29 April 2025, during which animal carcasses were found in Bramshaw, Totton and Emery Down. In several cases, the bodies of deer and lambs were reportedly discovered outside places of worship, prompting concerns within the local community and drawing national attention.

Lewis was remanded in custody and appeared before Southampton Magistrates’ Court this morning (Thursday 11 September). He was further remanded to appear at Southampton Crown Court on Monday 13 October.

These incidents were deeply distressing and caused significant alarm among local residents. Hampshire Police stated that officers have worked diligently to bring the case forward and remain committed to supporting the affected communities.