Fitzwilliam Hunt in Court on Illegal Hunting Charges

Hunt Saboteurs Association News Release 31st August 2016

George Adams (retired) huntsman of the Fitzwilliam Hunt along with Bird of Prey Handler John Mease appeared before Peterborough Magistrates court today. They pleaded not guilty to charges in relation to the hunting act following the death of a fox on Jan 1st 2016. John Mease is also facing cruelty charges from an incident 2 years ago involving a Golden Eagle and a fox. The defence attempted to get the expert witness statement from Professor Stephen Harris removed by questioning his character, however the judge told the defence in no uncertain terms that his evidence cannot be removed purely on hearsay.

The Hunting Act case will be heard on the 5^th December and the cruelty case on the 8^th, both at Peterborough Magistrates Court.

The video evidence for this prosecution was supplied by Beds and Bucks Hunt Saboteurs with witness statements from both Beds and Bucks and South Cambs Hunt saboteurs.

Lee Moon, Spokesperson for the Hunt Saboteurs Association, stated: “We are pleased that this case is progressing and that both the CPS and Cambridgeshire Police have been willing to act on evidence gathered by hunt saboteurs. George Adams may have retired but justice should still be served and the Fitzwilliam need to learn that despite their wealth and connections they are not above the law.”