Two hunt supporters from Cheshire have appeared at Crewe Magistrates Court facing various assault charges against the police. Anthony Kirkham (58) (pictured handcuffed left) and his son Timothy Kirkham (20) both of Ridley Farm, Ridley, Cheshire appeared in court following an incident outside Nantwich Civic Hall on 17th January 2003, where the Cheshire Hunt were holding their annual ‘Farmers Hunt Ball’. The incident took place in the early hours of Saturday morning when the two men are alleged to have assaulted the police officers who were helped by the hall's doormen who came to their rescue.

Both are charged with actual bodily harm, resisting or obstructing a constable in the execution of duty, with Anthony Kirkham also charged with threatening behaviour and his son, Timothy, with obstructing a person assisting a constable in the execution of duty. Both are regular supporters of The Cheshire Hunt based at Sandiway and The Cheshire Forest Hunt based at Peover, near Knutsford.

Anthony Kirkham has a previous convictions for assault against anti hunt protesters. On 11.3.95 he was found guilty of Violent Disorder following an attack on a minibus in December 1993 that contained anti-hunt protestors, he was sentenced to 12 months, following an appeal it was suspended. On 31.7.98 he was convicted of attacking a member of the League Against Cruel Sports and robbing him of his camera, he was jailed for 15 months.

On 26.10.01 Timothy Kirkham was due to appear at Chester Crown Court charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and inflicting grievous bodily harm. However, the prosecution offered no evidence against him and was bound over to keep the peace for a year in the sum of £200.