Two supporters of the Cheshire Foxhounds (Geoffrey Park, 30, of The Elms, Tushingham, Whitchurch, Shropshire and Anthony Ronald Kirkham, 50, of Ridley Farm, Ridley, Cheshire) were given prison sentences in March for their part in a violent assault against hunt saboteurs. The news comes at a time when violence in the area seems to be rea
  ching a peak. Other saboteurs have been attacked in their homes, hunt supporters have received bricks through their windows and there have even been claims that hunt members have been sent incendiary devices. [Full Incident]

At the neighbouring Cheshire Forest Hunt, supporter Christopher Thorne, who had been helping block up fox earths, was found guilty and fined for 'causing alarm and distress' to three female League Against Cruel Sports Hunt Monitors. Unfortunately for Thorne his obscentities were caught on video tape and therefore difficult to refute. One of the women was the League's Regional Representative Janet Smart who is pleased that the police are beginning to take action where necessary.

Janet Smart said, 'The police have a thankless task in trying to keep the peace at hunts. Although criticism has been levelled at them for not appearing to take action against the nastier element, the recent convictions have shown the police intend to prosecute those who break the law. If the hunt supporters conducted themselves in a more appropriate manner it might mean there was less need for such large number of police at hunt meetings.'

Despite the violence in the area, Prince Charles chose to honour the Cheshire Foxhounds with his presence in March, just two days before two supporters were in court to receive their sentences. As usual, Hunt Monitors were there to catch the vistit on video.

'Prince Charles seems to keep very strange company these days', commented a League spokesman.

Published in Wildlife Guardian, Issue 31, Summer 1995