HSA news release July 22nd 2004

Hunt saboteur awarded damages for assault by police

A hunt saboteur was awarded damages totalling £1450 in Oxford County Court on Monday 19th July 2004 after a jury found in favour of her claim against Thames Valley Police for assault.

The case arose from the 9th December 2000, when she was punched whilst being arrested on suspicion of having committed Aggravated Trespass at the Garth and South Berks Hunt.

The 6 day hearing was told how the incident occurred towards the end of the day at Benyon's Enclosure, Mortimer near Reading and the saboteur received a punch on the head that left a 4 cm long bruise and swelling. She was awarded aggravated damages.