A 47-year-old man has pleaded guilty to a campaign of harassment against Christians, which involved leaving dead animals outside churches in the New Forest area of Hampshire.
Guilty pleas to seven offences
Benjamin Lewis, of Totton, Southampton, admitted seven charges at Southampton Crown Court on Monday. The charges comprised five counts of religiously aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress, and two counts of lamb theft. The court heard that Lewis intended to "cause hostility" towards Christians or those he perceived to be Christians through his actions.
The offences took place between 5 February and 30 April this year. Lewis targeted several churches, including Christ Church in Colbury, St Peter's in Bramshaw, St Theresa's in Totton, and Christ Church in Emery Down. He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced in February.
Disturbing discoveries at places of worship
While full details were not disclosed in court, specific incidents have been reported by police and locals. In April, a dead lamb was found hung outside St Theresa's Church in Totton. Later that same evening, another animal carcass was discovered on a nearby road sign.
Hampshire Constabulary also confirmed that a dead lamb was found at St Peter's Church on 14 April. The police stated that these discoveries were deeply distressing for the individuals who found them and caused considerable concern within the wider community.
Community concern and historical context
New Forest district commander, Chief Inspector Scott Johnson, said the force had conducted extensive patrols and inquiries. "These disturbing incidents have been upsetting for those who discovered them, and will be concerning for our wider community," he stated, encouraging the public to speak to officers.
Lewis's confirmed offences relate solely to 2024. However, the New Forest has seen similar incidents over several years, with some locals previously speculating about satanic links. Last year, a rotting deer's head with an inverted cross was found on a memorial stone near Burley village, an area with historical associations to witchcraft.
The former police officer who removed that item, Chris White, highlighted the impact on the community, noting children had been exposed to the grim scene. He referenced Burley's link to Sybil Leek, a prominent 20th-century figure known as "Britain's most famous witch".
