Hunting Act case against Yorkshire hunt collapses

A court case against two members of the Lunesdale hunt collapsed today (21 January), at York Magistrates Court, on the first day of a planned two-day trial.

Terrence "Ted" Potter, 63, of Orton, Penrith and Paul Whitehead, 53, of Sedbergh, had each been accused of one charge of hunting a wild mammal with a dog on 18 February 2014, at Holly Platt Farm in Ingleton.

But, following an application by the Lunesdale's lawyer Stephen Welford, the magistrates ruled there was no case to answer as there was no evidence that either man was even present on the day in question.

The case was brought by the CPS on evidence provided by the League Against Cruel Sports.

Director of campaigns for the Countryside Alliance Tim Bonner said: "This is yet another example of a prosecution, pursued on the basis of vindictive allegations by animal rights activists, that fell apart as soon as it came under scrutiny. The police and CPS need to consider much more carefully 'evidence' supplied by organisations which have a vested interest in vilifying members of the hunting community.

"This case has cost Yorkshire taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds to no purpose other than once again highlighting why the Hunting Act needs to be repealed."

For further information, contact the Countryside Alliance head of media Charlotte Cooper on 07500 834163 or [email protected]