The incident occurred at 3:23 AM on March 15, 2024, and lasted about three minutes, according to multiple reports. Three men arrived in a silver Suzuki Vitara, according to reports. The driver remained in the car while two men got out dressed in tracksuits and balaclavas, according to reports. One of the men, identified as James Kempster, ripped a hare in half, according to reports. Blood was wiped on the front of the shop, and two dead birds—a barn owl and a kestrel—were placed on the front door, according to reports. Hares were also stuffed onto the door handles, according to reports.
Kempster was identified through DNA evidence, phone tracking data, and clothing matching CCTV footage, according to multiple reports. He was not wearing gloves during the incident, according to reports. The silver Suzuki Vitara used by the group was later found burned out about three-and-a-half miles from the shop, according to reports. Two other men were involved but have not been charged, according to reports. Kempster denies the charges, according to reports.
The motive behind the incident remains unclear. The origin of the dead animals is also unknown, as is whether there was any prior conflict between the defendant and the community shop, according to reports. The trial continues.