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Hunt pair launch conviction appeal
TWO Fernie Hunt employees have lodged an appeal against their convictions for breaching the ban on hunting.
And a fundraising appeal has also been launched to help pay the legal costs of the challenge.
Huntsman Derek Hopkins and terrierman Kevin Allen were convicted in January of hunting a wild mammal with a dog and of interfering with a badger sett or being reckless as to whether their actions would damage it.
Hopkins, of Welham Lane, Great Bowden, was fined £850 and ordered to pay £1,250 costs while Allen, of Nether Green, also in Great Bowden, received fines totalling £650, plus £900 costs.
The seven day trial centred on a hunt which took place near Stonton Wyville on January 27 last year and which was filmed by members of the League Against Cruel Sports.
The prosecution said it showed a fox being dug out of a badger sett before being chased by hounds when it bolted.
However Allen and Hopkins said the hunt had been following a scent trail and that the sett showed no signs of being occupied.
Tim Bonner, spokesman for the Masters of Foxhounds Association, said an appeal hearing is likely to be held in October.
Hunt supporters are being asked to donate to a appeal fund set up to help pay legal costs, he added.
Alice Barnard, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said: “The Badgers Act is one of the few pieces of legislation that can rival the Hunting Act for complication and opaqueness so it should be no surprise that the courts can become confused.
“Derek and Kevin’s lawyers have advised there is a good chance of success at appeal.”
Hopkins and Allen have declined to comment on the case.
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Weather for Market Harborough
Thursday 17 May 2012
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