HUNTSMAN LODGES AN APPEAL

North Devon Journal

An exmoor huntsman found guilty of hunting illegally has lodged an appeal against the conviction. Solicitors acting for 52-year-old Tony Wright, from Simonsbath, confirmed papers had been filed to Exeter Crown Court.

Mr Wright, huntsman with the Exmoor Foxhounds, believed he was acting within the law when he was filmed chasing two foxes with two hounds in April 2005.

This month, a district judge sitting in Barnstaple Magistrates Court ordered him to pay a £500 fine and £250 in costs after the League Against Cruel Sports brought a £65,000 private prosecution.

Mr Wright said he was confident the decision would be overturned.

A Countryside Alliance spokesman said: "It was clear from the evidence that Tony Wright thought he was complying with the exemption within the Hunting Act. He had a marksman and two hounds and he shot the fox: what more could he have done?

"As we are looking towards the new hunting season, the hunting community has every intention of complying with the Hunting Act, as Tony Wright believed he was doing."

The League Against Cruel Sports has pledged to defend the appeal.

A plea and directions hearing is expected to be held within two months.

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