Five more cleared after Grand National protest

Robert Gordon, Daniel Kidby, Michelle Farnham, Edward Allnutt and Alistair Stewart (l-r) were cleared of the charges

Five people have been cleared of causing a public nuisance during animal rights protests at the 2023 Grand National race meeting.

They were among 118 people who were arrested after attempts were made to stop the race on 15 April.

The protestors, from the Animal Rising campaign group, were accused of intentionally and recklessly causing a public nuisance, with some fixing themselves to jumps on the course.

They were all found not guilty after a nine-day trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

Speaking after the hearing, one of the defendants, Michelle Farnham, 27, said: "Today's verdict is the third time in a row that juries have refused to criminalise people for trying to stop horses dying at the Grand National."

'Needless suffering'

She added: "This is why trial by jury matters: it gives ordinary people the power to say what is morally right.

"The writing is on the wall for the racing industry. It's time horse racing was consigned to the past where it belongs, and this needless suffering is finally brought to an end."

The other four who were cleared were: Robert Gordon, 29, of Walker Drive, York; Daniel Kidby, 33, of Cashers Green, Stroud; Edward Allnutt, 34, of Mortimer Street, London and Alistair Stewart, 30, of Prince George Street, London.

In September, six more protesters from the same group were cleared of the same charges.