Hunt saboteur sentenced for breaching peace
A hunt saboteur has been convicted of causing a breach of the peace on two occasions while following the Fife Hunt.
Kevin Newell, 33, received a 90-hour community payback order at Dundee Sheriff Court last Thursday (21 July).
The court ruled that Newell caused alarm and distress to those legally participating in the hunts in north-east Fife in November 2015 by following the hunting pack, behaving in an intimidating manner with his face covered with a snood or balaclava.
Detective Inspector Colin Robson said: “We understand that fox hunting is an emotive issue that can be very divisive, however this is no excuse for any offence being committed.
“We police hunts in Fife to ensure the safety of everyone participating in or observing the events, and to ensure they take place legally. This applies equally to those who oppose hunting and those in the pack taking part.
“There is a right to peacefully and lawfully protest in a public place and a procedure for legally hunting with dogs. In this case, Newell’s behaviour was unacceptable and it should send a clear message to anyone intending to disrupt a hunt in this way that we will take action.”
Clarinda Foster, a joint-master of the Fife, told H&H: “We have been experiencing ever-increasing threatening and intimidating behaviour by activists over the past couple of years.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“This has been a long process with many witnesses giving statements to the police and being cross-examined in court, however the result has made all the effort worthwhile.
Related articles:
- Drama in Festival of Hunting relay
- Fancy a kiss? Wales and Border Counties Hound Show highlights
- Katie Price ditches the bling for a day with the bloodhounds
Tim Easby, director of the Masters of Foxhounds Association, welcomed the news, saying there is “no place in society for those who attempt to disrupt legal activities”.
He told H&H: “It is very important that hunts continue to report anti-social, illegal and disruptive behaviour — it’s only by making official complaints that these people will be brought to account.”
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Polly joined the Horse & Hound team in summer 2013. A former senior master of the Bicester with Whaddon Chase, her hunting knowledge and contacts are second to none. She left Horse & Hound at the end of 2016 to join The Hunting Office.