Fernie huntsman Derek Hopkins will appeal his conviction under the Hunting Act and Badgers Act, according to the Countryside Alliance. Hopkins and countryman Kevin Allen were convicted following a seven-day trial that had been scheduled for only four days. The accused men argue that key evidence, including questions about their intent, was not even addressed before the magistrates ruled.
The Badgers Act is said to rival the Hunting Act for its complexity, and lawyers for the defendants believe there is a good chance for success on appeal. An earlier contested case against Exmoor huntsman Tony Wright, convicted in Magistrates’ Court, was overturned in Crown Court.
More details of the case can be seen in the Harborough Mail.
February 1, 2011
