‘Ridiculous’ appeal thrown out as hunt convictions stand
Hunt were hunting foxes intentionally, in an act of subterfuge, says judge
Two hunt employees convicted of breaking the Hunting Act and the Protection of Badgers Act have had their appeal thrown out following a five day hearing at Leicester Crown Court.
Covert investigators from the League Against Cruel Sports filmed huntsman Derek Hopkins and terrierman Kevin Allen of the Fernie Hunt pursuing a fox near Market Harborough in January 2010. When the fox escaped into a badger sett, Allen dug the fox out, an offence under the Protection of Badgers Act. The League has placed the film evidence on YouTube.
In a scathing attack on the tactics of the Fernie Hunt, the judge said that whatever the hunt thought of the law, it was there to be obeyed. “Organised subterfuge is unacceptable”, he told the court, also saying that he found the evidence of Hopkins as ‘unconvincing’ and describing Allen as ‘shady’.
Joe Duckworth, chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, described the appeal as ‘ridiculous’. “Anyone who sees this film will see the clear actions of a hunt intent on pursuing a fox. In two court cases, five magistrates and a crown court judge have been clear in what they have seen and have convicted these wildlife criminals.”
The hunting community had been asked to contribute to defence costs, thought to exceed £100,000. Hopkins and Allen were represented in court by Phillip Mott QC. The pair’s original sentences were confirmed by the court. Hopkins was fined a total of £850 with a £15 victim surcharge and £1,250 costs. Allen was fined a total of £650 with a £15 victim surcharge and £900 costs. An additional £6,000 costs were added today.
“As we approach the beginning of the traditional hunting season, this case should be a lesson to hunts everywhere,” said Mr Duckworth. “Don’t think you can break the law and get away with it. We will be behind more trees and under more bushes than ever before, and we’re investing heavily in bringing wildlife criminals to justice.”