Woman injured as ridden down by huntsman in Norfolk

HSA news release 22nd January 2005

Woman injured as ridden down by huntsman in Norfolk as saboteurs attacked

A woman in her 60s, protesting against the killing of hares, was injured when she was ridden down by a huntsman in Norfolk today (22 January 2005).

The woman was one of a group of hunt saboteurs at Quidenham, Norfolk where the Dunston Harriers had met to chase and kill hares. She was ridden down by Michael Karyan, huntsman of the pack of hounds. Police were present when it happened. An air and land ambulance were called at around 2pm. The protestor recieved head injuries, concussions and whiplash. She received treatment from paramedics but did not attend hospital. The huntsman’s details were taken but he was not arrested.

Another hunt saboteur was assaulted in front of a police officer. Although the officer admitted that she saw it, the police did not arrest the hunt supporter who had carried out the attack. A formal complaint will be made soon and the incident is on video.

Acting whipper-in Richard Smith is alleged to have repeatedly whipped saboteurs, rode his horse at them and threatened to “smash their faces in”. This carried on throughout the day. Although all the instances were reported to police no action was taken by them. Smith was arrested last year for smashing up two hunt sabs vehicles but released without charge – despite both incidences being caught on video camera.

Hunt supporters repeatedly threatened hunt saboteurs and offered to fight to them. Again this was caught on film.

On of the saboteurs’ vehicles was also rammed by a hunt supporter. Again no action was taken by the police.

Hunt Saboteurs Association spokesperson Nathan Brown said: “Police failing to arrest hunt supporters who carry out assaults on our members are giving them the green light to carry out more attacks. The police are failing in their duty and, to our members, it appears as if they are colluding with criminals.”

Notes for editors:

Stuart Sayer, ex-hunt master of the Dunston Harriers was at the hunt today. He was sentenced last year to 18 months in prison for lying in court, over drug deals.

Ends