Man Attacked Hunt Sab’s Car With Hammer

A man who launched a hammer attack on a car containing two hunt saboteurs near Theddingworth has been ordered to pay compensation and do unpaid work.

Ryan Gilbert was caught on the car’s dash-cam approaching with the weapon in his hand, before the side window of the car, being used by the members of the North Cambs Hunt Sabs group, was smashed.

The incident happened on Station Road on November 24th last year, after their path had been blocked by other vehicles.

The man and woman, who weren’t injured, were part of a group monitoring a meeting of the Fernie Hunt on the day.

Gilbert (27) from Saddington admitted criminal damage and using threatening behaviour at Leicester Magistrates Court.

He was sentenced to a Community Order, meaning he must carry out 200 hours of unpaid work over the next 12 months, pay compensation of £75, and £250 Court costs.

Gilbert was arrested after Police released images of the dash-cam footage.

A spokesman for North Cambs Hunt Sabs told Hfm: “We condemn this use of unprovoked violence and aggression towards members of the public and their property, and we call on the Fernie Hunt to likewise distance themselves from this action by their supporters.

“North Cambs Hunt Sabs take this opportunity to remind all hunt supporters that any attack made on monitors or their property will result in charges being pressed and subsequently prosecutions made.

The Fernie Hunt says Ryan Gilbert has no connection with the Hunt – they issued a statement at the time of the incident: “The Fernie Hunt does not condone any form of violence even when faced with extreme provocation, personal harassment, malicious trespass and other offences.

“The hunt is not aware of any incidents relating to its’ activities on Saturday 24^thNovember.”