OUT FOXED

Huntsman is the first to be found guilty under new law
By Richard Smith, The Mirror

A FOX hunter yesterday became the first person in England to be found guilty of hunting.

Judge Paul Farmer ruled Tony Wright, 52, chased a fox with two hounds - illegal under the Hunting Act.
The 2004 legislation states the animal must be killed as quickly as possible after it is flushed out.
But Barnstaple magistrates' court saw video evidence showing marksman Iain Marfleet to be nowhere in sight as dogs pursued a fox on Exmoor in April last year.

The League Against Cruel Sports brought the private prosecution against Wright.
Spokesman Mike Hobday said of the landmark verdict: "There has been some hesitation among the police about the risks of taking the first prosecution. They now have a clear legal judgment from which to operate.

After hearing Wright was on the minimum wage, the judge fined him £500 and ordered him to pay £250 costs.

The maximum fine is £5,000. An option to confiscate hunting equipment and dogs was rejected.

Speaking outside the court, dad-of two Wright, of Minehead, Somerset, said he believed he was operating within the law by using a marksman.

The Countryside Alliance said it would support Wright's appeal.

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