Anti-hunting activist pleads guilty to criminal damage while protesting family fun ride

An anti-hunting activist has pleaded guilty of causing criminal damage to a Land Rover which had two children under four years of age inside during a fun ride.

The incident occurred when the driver of the vehicle was attending a countryside ride organised by the Cottesmore Hunt near Oakham on 25^th April 2021 with his young children.

Anti-hunting protestors from Leicester Animal Rights, Northants Hunt Saboteurs and Hertfordshire Hunt Saboteurs targeted the event with one protestor striking the victim's vehicle and causing damage to the bonnet.

Activists from the three groups, some of whom reportedly wore masks and balaclavas, had been present throughout the day's proceedings. Members of the hunt witnessed some shouting abuse at participants, who had come from across the local area to take part in the event.

Tracey Cox, also known as Tracey Clayton, appeared at Leicester Magistrates Court on 21^st February 2022 where she was sentenced to a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £200 to the victim. She was also ordered to pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £22 and to pay costs of £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service.

A spokesman from the Cottesmore Hunt said: " We would like to extend our gratitude to Leicestershire Police for their professionalism throughout this ordeal. We are pleased with the outcome of this trial and believe justice has been delivered."

He went on to say: "Fun rides are an opportunity to welcome families from across the community to enjoy a day out in our beautiful countryside. We look forward to continuing these important events and watching them continue to grow in popularity."

Polly Portwin, Director of the Countryside Alliance's Campaign for Hunting said: " While animal rights extremist groups such as this are small in numbers, they can nevertheless be violent and abusive. Members of the public out enjoying a day in the countryside should never have to be feel intimidated. On this occasion, the perpetrator has been brought to justice and we thank the police for handling this matter professionally."