Fox hunter convicted over killing of animal in Suffolk

Christopher Amatt was charged under the Hunting Act 2004 Credit: Press Association

A 58-year-old man has been convicted of illegally fox hunting during a Boxing Day event in Suffolk.

Christopher Amatt, of Attleton Green, Wickhambrook, was found guilty of intentionally hunting a mammal with dogs and assault following a three-day trial at Suffolk Magistrates' Court in Ipswich.

Archibald Clifton-Brown, aged 19, of Little Bradley, was also found guilty of assault but cleared of the hunting charge.

The court heard a red fox had been chased by a number of hunt hounds and killed on Tuesday December 26 2017 during the event at Trundley Wood, off Bury Road, in Great Thurlow, near Haverhill.

Following that, a man monitoring the hunt was wrestled to the ground and assaulted by Clifton-Brown. The victim was not injured.

Police were called and Amatt and Clifton-Brown were later summonsed to court.

Both were fined for their offences and ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge.

Sgt Brian Calver, from Suffolk Police's rural crime team, said it was important to have wildlife officers protecting and speaking up for nature.