Hunt member's assault conviction overturned

Police previously said Mark Ferguson was on a hunt in Market Harborough when his group became involved in a row with activists

A man has successfully appealed against his assault conviction for hitting an anti-hunt protester with a riding crop

Mark Ferguson was ordered to pay £2,125 after being found guilty of actual bodily harm and criminal damage in March 2022.

The 51-year-old was on a hunt in a field in Clipston Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, on 19 October 2019 when his group became involved in a row with activists, police previously said.

Following an appeal, he was found not guilty of actual bodily harm and criminal damage on 30 August at Nottingham Crown Court.

Olly Hughes, managing director of the British Hound Sports Association, said: "It is a huge relief for Mark Ferguson and his family to be exonerated of these serious crimes, after five years of stress and anxiety."