Hunt Rider Jailed for Charging at Protester and Leaving Him Broken
Disaster struck during a Pytchley Hunt meet in Sibbertoft, Northamptonshire, on September 5, 2020. Hunt protestors clashed with the riders, sparking a harrowing incident.
Chaos Erupts as Protest Gear Gets Smashed
Protestors filmed the event, but their body cameras and camcorders were reportedly damaged by hunt members. Then, 27-year-old Christopher Mardles, from Petworth, West Sussex, charged his horse straight at the crowd. He smashed into a man in his 60s, causing severe injuries.
Victim Airlifted with Serious Injuries
The victim suffered broken ribs, a broken collarbone, a split shoulder blade, and nerve damage. He was airlifted to hospital in critical condition.
“I still keep playing that moment over in my head all the time. I thought I was going to die, I really did. I was out to campaign, but I didn’t ask for that, I didn’t deserve that. I can’t understand that he was so unconcerned, that he didn’t even look back. I keep seeing that moment and him just galloping on. I was screaming out in pain and they just carried on hunting.”
Justice Served: Mardles Sentenced to 18 Months
At Nottingham Crown Court, Mardles admitted to wounding with intent under Section 20 after pleading guilty earlier this year. Yesterday, he was jailed for one year and six months. The case highlights the dangerous tensions between hunt advocates and campaigners.
