Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt Point-to-Point

[Beausmate]

Just watched the video a few times. The woman looks at the horse and steps back into it's path. Maybe she lost her balance, or thought for some mad reason the rider would stop. It would have been nuts to try to run her over where she was stood - the horse would probably have gone down too.

I'd say it was an accident, caused by the stupidity and lack of awareness of the sab. The huntsman could be considered to be riding somewhat recklessly, by travelling through a partially blocked gateway at speed, but to me it didn't look deliberate in any way and I can see why the CPS threw it out.

 

[Mike007]

This is all rather sad. Ms Nid has been seriously injured,and will no doubt have the aches and pain from this for the rest of her life. That is sad . The huntsman will also ,I suspect ,regret the injury that occurred. HOWEVER! For a criminal prosecution ,there must be "Mens rea" loosely translated as guilty intent. Making a poor decision before or after the event does not necessarily count. The CPS clearly felt that they couldnt show Mens Rea and dropped the case. It doesnt make the actions of either party morally right ,it merely makes the outside the sphere of criminal prosecution.For what its worth ,I would advise ms Nid to consider a civil action against the organizers of the protest. Clearly there were health and safety issues which this organised protest failed to address.

 

[Cinnamontoast]

You think she should sue her fellow sabs?!

 

[Mike007]

Absolutely. She was put in harms way without adequate guidance .Why else would she have stepped in front of three quarters of a ton of horse. Clearly she was not likely to heed advice from the hunting fraternity so it was incumbent on her own colleagues to ensure her safety.

 

[Dunlin]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, being a hunt sab is a dangerous game, trying to obstruct a hunt is a very dangerous game, being near someone that is sounding a hunting horn trying to call the hounds towards them is quite frankly asking for trouble. There are plenty of hunt monitors out there who quietly observe the hunt and if needed gather evidence, I have even had a pleasant conversation with some hunt monitors before, I can't say the same when it comes to sabs.

If you don't want to get hurt don't put yourself in danger. When you do get hurt accept that it's part of your 'job' and to be honest your own stupidity. If I had sued all the riding schools I went to in the past everytime I had fallen off, got bitten or kicked I would be living in Monaco on my Yacht and following the hunt in my brand new Lambourghini (one of a fleet).

 

[Judgemental]

This is an increasingly interesting subject and I am intrigued as to why the subject person surrendered themselves to a police station of their own volition, where they were promptly arrested, as reported in The Western Daily Press.

Looking further at the video there seems to be some additional uncomfortable issues and one wonders what the mastership are doing about the whole scenario.

 

[LittleRooketRider]

This is an increasingly interesting subject and I am intrigued as to why the subject person surrendered themselves to a police station of their own volition, where they were promptly arrested, as reported in The Western Daily Press.

Looking further at the video there seems to be some additional uncomfortable issues and one wonders what the mastership are doing about the whole scenario.

I am of the understanding that he went to the police station to give a statement about the events that occurred, when somebody is accusing you of attempted murder it would seem pretty sensible to ensure that your story/record of events are presented promptly.

Could you clarify your second point re: the additional uncomfortable issues, I'm curious to know?

 

[Judgemental]

I am of the understanding that he went to the police station to give a statement about the events that occurred, when somebody is accusing you of attempted murder it would seem pretty sensible to ensure that your story/record of events are presented promptly.

Could you clarify your second point re: the additional uncomfortable issues, I'm curious to know?

It is very simple, the whole scenario brings all parties into disrepute.

One only has to look further at the video and the serious allegations that are made.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Update today on the H&H news page.

Mr Doggrell is now facing charged of “recklessly causing grievous bodily harm”.

He is to appear before magistrates, but a date has not yet been set.

“After careful consideration of all the evidence in this case, including additional new evidence, I have decided that there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction and that it is in the public interest to charge Mark Doggrell with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm,” said Rachael Scott of the CPS.

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/huntsman-charged-police-hunt-saboteur-501454

 

[Judgemental]

Update today on the H&H news page.

Mr Doggrell is now facing charged of “recklessly causing grievous bodily harm”.

He is to appear before magistrates, but a date has not yet been set.

“After careful consideration of all the evidence in this case, including additional new evidence, I have decided that there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction and that it is in the public interest to charge Mark Doggrell with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm,” said Rachael Scott of the CPS.

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/huntsman-charged-police-hunt-saboteur-501454

Coming as it does at the this incredibly sensitive time, I am appalled.

I am appalled for two reasons.

1. Doggrell should have been suspended by the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale at the outset when they knew the matter was ongoing.

2. In the interests of hunting the masters of the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale should have known about the governments plans to 'help' hunting and the potential of a debate. As a result they should have taken steps to ameliorate the situation and plainly stated Doggrells alleged conduct was wholly unacceptable.

Like so many people who hunt in Dorset they are out of touch with the wider world.

No doubt ever member of parliament will be made aware of this development and will doubtless, conclude why there are so many problems and wonder if any changes are prudent.

If the vote fails next Wednesday, I for one will lay the blame squarely at the door of this disgraceful situation.

 

[Alec Swan]

Coming as it does at the this incredibly sensitive time, I am appalled.

I am appalled for two reasons.

1. Doggrell should have been suspended by the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale at the outset when they knew the matter was ongoing.

2. In the interests of hunting the masters of the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale should have known about the governments plans to 'help' hunting and the potential of a debate. As a result they should have taken steps to ameliorate the situation and plainly stated Doggrells alleged conduct was wholly unacceptable.

…….. .

J_M, I'm equally appalled at your response. So the B&S Vale, should throw him to the wolves? Would you have them use him as a sacrificial offering and disown him? If the Courts find him innocent, and there's clear evidence that the unfortunate creature who was injured placed herself in the path of danger, she was trespassing and had no business where she was, or conducting an operation which had no legal support, and what at best was a sorry accident, with either or both the horse and rider making every attempt to avoid the obstacle that was in their path, and YOU would have him abandoned?

Judgemental, there are times when your arguments astound me. There's no evidence that the rider affected any intentional injury upon the victim, and clear evidence that both or either he and his horse made every reasonable attempt to avoid a collision, and you would hang him out to dry? Really?

Lets find him guilty and preempt the decision of a Court, shall we? FFS!

Alec.

 

[ExmoorHunter]

J_M, I'm equally appalled at your response. So the B&S Vale, should throw him to the wolves? Would you have them use him as a sacrificial offering and disown him? If the Courts find him innocent, and there's clear evidence that the unfortunate creature who was injured placed herself in the path of danger, she was trespassing and had no business where she was, or conducting an operation which had no legal support, and what at best was a sorry accident, with either or both the horse and rider making every attempt to avoid the obstacle that was in their path, and YOU would have him abandoned?

Judgemental, there are times when your arguments astound me. There's no evidence that the rider affected any intentional injury upon the victim, and clear evidence that both or either he and his horse made every reasonable attempt to avoid a collision, and you would hang him out to dry? Really?

Lets find him guilty and preempt the decision of a Court, shall we? FFS!

Alec.

No mention either of the vicious attack by the antis on Mike Lane. Primarily I believe because they were masked up and cannot be identified. Not exactly a level playing field then is it.

 

[Doormouse]

Coming as it does at the this incredibly sensitive time, I am appalled.

I am appalled for two reasons.

1. Doggrell should have been suspended by the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale at the outset when they knew the matter was ongoing.

2. In the interests of hunting the masters of the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale should have known about the governments plans to 'help' hunting and the potential of a debate. As a result they should have taken steps to ameliorate the situation and plainly stated Doggrells alleged conduct was wholly unacceptable.

Like so many people who hunt in Dorset they are out of touch with the wider world.

No doubt ever member of parliament will be made aware of this development and will doubtless, conclude why there are so many problems and wonder if any changes are prudent.

If the vote fails next Wednesday, I for one will lay the blame squarely at the door of this disgraceful situation.

I was talking to my father about this morning and said exactly the same. I sadly agree completely with you.

 

[Doormouse]

J_M, I'm equally appalled at your response. So the B&S Vale, should throw him to the wolves? Would you have them use him as a sacrificial offering and disown him? If the Courts find him innocent, and there's clear evidence that the unfortunate creature who was injured placed herself in the path of danger, she was trespassing and had no business where she was, or conducting an operation which had no legal support, and what at best was a sorry accident, with either or both the horse and rider making every attempt to avoid the obstacle that was in their path, and YOU would have him abandoned?

Judgemental, there are times when your arguments astound me. There's no evidence that the rider affected any intentional injury upon the victim, and clear evidence that both or either he and his horse made every reasonable attempt to avoid a collision, and you would hang him out to dry? Really?

Lets find him guilty and preempt the decision of a Court, shall we? FFS!

Alec.

Very rarely would I find myself agreeing with Judgemental and disagreeing with you Alec but I'm afraid in this case I do.

I have hunted with the BV for 26 years, I grew up with most of the involved parties and although I don't feel he should have been immediately sacked, when they realised the strength of feeling about this they should have asked him to stand down for the rest of the season. I really do believe that had they done this the antis would not have pursued their crusade against him and the court case would not be happening.

I think the whole thing has been badly handled.

 

[Judgemental]

J_M, I'm equally appalled at your response. So the B&S Vale, should throw him to the wolves? Would you have them use him as a sacrificial offering and disown him? If the Courts find him innocent, and there's clear evidence that the unfortunate creature who was injured placed herself in the path of danger, she was trespassing and had no business where she was, or conducting an operation which had no legal support, and what at best was a sorry accident, with either or both the horse and rider making every attempt to avoid the obstacle that was in their path, and YOU would have him abandoned?

Judgemental, there are times when your arguments astound me. There's no evidence that the rider affected any intentional injury upon the victim, and clear evidence that both or either he and his horse made every reasonable attempt to avoid a collision, and you would hang him out to dry? Really?

Lets find him guilty and preempt the decision of a Court, shall we? FFS!

Alec.

Alec I can understand your position from East Anglia, however in the West Country there are a very large number of hunting folk who are very disappointing that this matter has gone as far as it has. This matter should have been ameliorated from the outset by insurers agreeing damages with the injured lady and that would have been an end of the matter. All hunts have public liability insurance.

 

[Lizzie66]

Coming as it does at the this incredibly sensitive time, I am appalled.

I am appalled for two reasons.

1. Doggrell should have been suspended by the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale at the outset when they knew the matter was ongoing..

This is an oxymoron, they couldn't suspend at the outset as well wait to see whether it was ongoing. It was dropped early on and has only recently been taken up again. Equally B&SV may well be more aware of what actually happened and feel that it is the right thing to do to support him.

2. In the interests of hunting the masters of the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale should have known about the governments plans to 'help' hunting and the potential of a debate. As a result they should have taken steps to ameliorate the situation and plainly stated Doggrells alleged conduct was wholly unacceptable..

At the time no one knew who the next government would be so they had no reason to believe the government would help. Also are you seriously suggesting that on the possibility that a future government might help that a man who is currently innocent of any crime is thrown out for the greater good ?

No doubt ever member of parliament will be made aware of this development and will doubtless, conclude why there are so many problems and wonder if any changes are prudent.

If the vote fails next Wednesday, I for one will lay the blame squarely at the door of this disgraceful situation.

I doubt whether this will impact on people's vote one way or another and if it does then its shame on them. There are numerous instances where sabs have committed some horrendous acts including the death of Trevor Morse, the assault on Mike Lane and numerous continued verbal and physical harassment on an ongoing basis of hunts, their staff and their followers. Until the law puts an end to this level of harassment then it is unfortunate but inevitable that people from both sides will get hurt.

The hunt do not put saboteurs in harms way they do this themselves.

 

[Judgemental]

Absolutely shocking that hunting has been brought into such disrepute. Now that the matter has been sent to the Crown Court, it will be interesting to see what a jury makes of the charge. How the masters of the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale have allowed this to happen is beyound comprehension. As far as I am aware this the first time any matter involving hunting has ever come before a Crown Court and a Jury trial.

From Western Daily Press: August 04, 2015

Mark Doggrell pleads 'not guilty' to GBH of hunt sab 'Nid'

Hunt saboteur Nicola Rawson had to be airlifted to hospital after being hit by a horse

A huntsman with a Somerset hunt has pleaded 'not guilty' to a charge of GBH against a hunt saboteur who was knocked down by his horse last year.

Mark Doggrell, from the Blackmoor and Sparkford Vale hunt, appeared before magistrates in Yeovil on Tuesday charged with causing grievous bodily harm to Nicola Rawson.

Ms Rawson, known as 'Nid' among the animal rights campaign, was left with seven broken ribs and a collapsed lung when she was hit by a horse while out monitoring the BSV hunt last August.

Mr Doggrell, 45, pleaded 'not guilty' and the case was sent for trial at Taunton Crown Court on September 1.

 

[Alec Swan]

Absolutely shocking that hunting has been brought into such disrepute. …….. .

Will your response be the same should Doggerell be found not guilty?

Alec.

 

[Judgemental]

There is embarrassing and then there is ......

Huntsman Mark Doggrell to appear in court tomorrow over hunt saboteur GBH charge
By Western Daily Press | Posted: September 01, 2015

Huntsman Mark Doggrell to appear in court tomorrow over hunt saboteur GBH charge


Huntsman Mark Doggrell to appear in court tomorrow over hunt saboteur GBH charge.

Huntsman Mark Doggrell is due to appear before Taunton Crown Court on Wednesday charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a hunt saboteur, who was knocked down by his horse.

Mr Doggrell, aged 45, huntsman with the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt, pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared before South Somerset Magistrates at Yeovil last month. and the case was sent for trial at the Crown Court.

The injured saboteur, Nicola Rawson, known as 'Nid' among animal rights campaigners, was left with seven broken ribs and a collapsed lung when she was hit by a horse while out monitoring the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt in August 2014.



Read more: http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/...tory-27716805-detail/story.html#ixzz3kWCZCJo3
Follow us: @WesternDaily on Twitter | WesternDaily on Facebook

 

[Judgemental]

I suppose this disgraceful matter is going to rear up again next week, with the National Press in full cry.

On the other hand, perhaps somebody with intelligence, has managed to settle matters out of court.

 

[Judgemental]

Of course this is a absolute disgrace and just goes to show that no matter how long ago the incident, the authorities will catch up with one. Let this be a lesson to folk who ride anywhere.

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/71...n-Peter-Doggrell-horse-trampled-Nicola-Rawson

"From the Daily Express

Protester hospitalised ‘after irritated huntsman rode horse into her’

A “RECKLESS” huntsman rode his horse into a female hunt saboteur, leaving her seriously injured on the ground, a jury was told yesterday.

By JOHN CHAPMAN
PUBLISHED: 00:01, Tue, Sep 20, 2016
Peter Doggrell (left) and moment from videoSC
Nicola Rawson, 43, was hospitalised after bering trampled by a horse ridden by Peter Doggrell (left)
Protester Nicola Rawson, 43, sustained seven broken ribs and a collapsed lung after she was struck and trampled by the horse ridden by Peter Doggrell.

Mr Doggrell, who was leading a “trail hunt” – in which hounds follow a scent laid in advance – denies causing grievous bodily harm (GBH).

A group of hunt saboteurs had sprayed citronella along country lanes near the village of Charlton Horethorne in Somerset to break up the scent for hounds to follow.

They also blocked roadways. A dashboard-mounted camera captured the incident on August 28, 2014.

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Shortly before 6pm, the court heard, a Land Rover belonging to the five saboteurs parked at a gateway to a field.

Doggrell did not stop and that in itself indicates he had no interest in the safety of the person struck
Giles Nelson
NHS worker Ms Rawson and her friend Martin Porritt got out of the car to block the field entrance.

Within seconds, it is claimed, Mr Doggrell ploughed into the side of her, leaving her hospitalised for two weeks.

Mr Doggrell rode off after the incident but handed himself in at Yeovil police station two days later.

Dashcam footage of incidentSC
Nicola Rawson, 43, sustained seven broken ribs and a collapsed lung after she was hit
He was arrested on suspicion of causing GBH but released due to insufficient evidence. But after a video of the incident was posted online, a petition was started to bring charges.

At Taunton Crown Court, Mr Giles Nelson, prosecuting, said there had been a standoff throughout the day and mutual animosity had been building.

He said: “In short, there was an escalation of tension. “It’s not suggested by the prosecution that this defendant was directly involved in any violent or threatening conduct prior to the incident.

“It’s suggested that he was aware of the presence of the saboteur group. There was no need for him to ride as hard as he did. Also, the background of the day is relevant, no doubt irritated by earlier events. He took it upon himself to frighten the protesters; rode as hard and close as he did. It was a reckless act.

Peter Doggrell GETTY
Peter Doggrell said he was “a careful rider” and was cantering at the time
“Doggrell did not stop and that in itself indicates he had no interest in the safety of the person struck, just as he had no interest in their safety as he approached.”

The prosecution maintains the protestors were in sight and Mr Doggrell, of the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt, had time to react, but chose not to.

In a police interview, Mr Doggrell said he had 10-15 seconds of the Land Rover being in view before striking the protester, who he claims only appeared in his line of sight when it was too late.

He initially answered “no comment” during interview, but provided a written statement after seeing video footage.

Hunting hounds GETTY
Saboteurs sprayed citronella along country lanes to break up the scent for the hounds to follow
He said the two people in the field “appeared before him” and his horse shied.

He said the horse only made a “glancing contact” with Miss Rawson, but “not enough to hurt [her]”.

He said he did not intend to make contact with anyone and was told 20 minutes later that the protester had been badly hurt.

He said he was “a careful rider” and was cantering at the time.

The trial continues".

 

[Countryman]

JM, as a trial is under way I suggest we leave it to the court for now. I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunity for comment, both on here and in the press, when the verdict is reached, whatever that is.

 

[Judgemental]

Error

 

[Sherston]

I think that we can all be very pleased that justice has prevailed, after 2.5 days in front of a jury, who would have seen far more than just the 1 minute video recording they took very little time in concluding their not guilty verdict. Just goes to prove how video evidence does not portray all of the facts.

 

[ExmoorHunter]

I think that we can all be very pleased that justice has prevailed, after 2.5 days in front of a jury, who would have seen far more than just the 1 minute video recording they took very little time in concluding their not guilty verdict. Just goes to prove how video evidence does not portray all of the facts.

The jury will have seen the unedited video not the version which is being plastered all over social media.

 

[Countryman]

The jury will have seen the unedited video not the version which is being plastered all over social media.

This is very true, and may well have made all the difference.

 

[ExmoorHunter]

This is very true, and may well have made all the difference.

Yes it definitely did! It's worth following Jamie Foster on Twitter where is it made clear the video shown to the court was unedited. Funny though that Dorset Hunt Sabs don't want to release it. https://twitter.com/1jamiefoster?lang=en-gb

 

[JanetGeorge]

Even better - the CPS's own expert witness (and she ain't cheap) ended up giving evidence for the defence. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...oteur-purpose-CPS-ignores-expert-witness.html

 

[Fiagai]

Watching the video released and having read various accounts presented, I would suggest that "Nid" and her co-antis carry a significant duty of care and responsibility for their actions on the day in question.

As related by Carolinb in this thread

"Ms Warren was campaigning with the Dorset Hunt Sabs group when she was struck.

A FB account detailed how "We sounded a horn, hollered, and some hounds looked up and started to come our way.

"I think he [the hunt member] got angry at this. He came along a public road behind us at speed, he didn't issue a warning, he was completely silent, then he hit me and rode off."

It has been further detailed that the access to the field was blocked by a vehicle and pedestrians in dark clothing. (And thereby resulting in the antis putting themselves directly in the path of the huntsman)

It is evident that not only did the relevant antis actively disrupt the hounds by hollowing etc, they then deliberatly blocked the huntsmans access to the field in question preventing the huntsman being able to see - a very obvious attempt to cause trouble with the orderly progress of the hunt.

Unless the antis were deaf it is highly unlikely that they did not hear the progress of the huntsman along the road (as detailed by the antis) and thereby the hunstmans activity could not have been a surprise to these self same individuals.

Placing themselves in such evident danger in my opinion places significant responsibility on the various antis for the collision of "Nid" and the hunstmans horse.

Unfortunately this type of anti activity appears frequently to be part and parcel of anti groups arsenal of anti social behaviour and is plainly not new. However calling wolf as it were has evidently now backfired and so slap it up to them - to quote a dear departed grand uncle on a similar issue.

The fact that various antis are screaming unfair process again shows the distance to which antis will go to discredit absolutly anyone and everyone who disagrees with them or goes against their bizarre and narrow end of of the telescope view of the universe.

Now that the huntsman has been cleared of deliberately injuring the hunt saboteur I do hope this incident can be added to the litany of behaviours and incidents engaged in by antis groups and be used positivly in a movement towards the drafting of a legal process to criminalise all such anti activities.

 

[ester]

Even barefoot I can't travel along a public road silently and certainly not a speed! That was such a ridiculous statement to make!