Anthony Allibone, huntsman with the Dulverton Farmers Hunt, has been found guilty of assault against a 66 year old League Hunt monitor.
Yvonne Nicola was out monitoring hunting activities on Exmoor with 2 other people on the 15th March 06 when she was assaulted by 49 year old Anthony Allibone, of East Anstey near Tiverton.
The court heard how Ms Nicola had been peacefully filming the hunt when Huntsmaster Mrs Maund used her horse to box in both her and fellow monitor Ivor Annetts. Video footage played in court showed Ms Nicola telling the riders she would call the police if they continued to intimidate her with their horses. Allibone is then heard saying “Intimidate? You want to see intimidation” before riding his horse at Ms Nicola and Mr Annetts.
Allibone, who has 30 years experience riding horses, claimed he lost control of Ginger but magistrates at Minehead found him guilty of assault by putting the victim in fear of immediate and unlawful violence. He was ordered to pay £100 compensation to Ms Nicola. He was also fined £100 and ordered to pay £200 in costs.
After the hearing, Ms Nicola, who has been a League member for 33 years, vowed to continue monitoring the hunts. She said,
“I’m very satisfied by the verdict and hopefully it will be safer for other monitors. If these people have nothing to hide, why are they so violent towards us?”
Hunt Details
Source: League Against Cruel Sports
