Praise for Kev the ‘leader’

Mr Kelly has gone on to secure convictions for bat disturbance, greater crested newts habitat destruction and raptor persecution, and in 2008, also secured North Yorkshire Police’s first ever convictions under the Hunting Act 2004 legislation against three men involved in fox hunting.

Mr Kelly says he was surprised and delighted to win the national award, which is judged on criteria including partnership working, use of innovative techniques and dedication to the cause of tackling wildlife crime. Inspector Jon Grainge said: “Kevin leads from the front on wildlife crime investigations.” prosecuting people involved in illegal fox-hunting and the killing of birds of prey.

His award follows a year in which his team made a record 101 arrests for wildlife crime offences. “I challenge anyone to break that record, I would pat them on the back if they did, “he added.

Mr Kelly says he is extremely fortunate to have a job that combines two of his major passions: “I’m a bit of a softie when it comes to anything animal-related. When I was a kid I would turn up with a goldfish or a dog and drive my parents mad! I always wanted to be a police officer which happened when I was 22 and the two things kind of went hand in glove.”

He started in North Yorkshire Police around 15 years ago as a PC and soon realised the impact wildlife crime was having on the local community.

“I saw the impact it would have on families in the area. It has quite a significant impact if you see a dog chasing a hare and getting the kill and ripping it to pieces.

“People who live in rural communities see wildlife crime take place but it is often quite low down the priority order for some police forces. I would work in my own time and on my days off to tackle hare coursing and poaching issues.”