Hunt Rider Jailed for Charging Protester and Leaving Him Seriously Injured
Violent Clash at Northamptonshire Hunt
On the morning of September 5, 2020, the Pytchley Hunt found themselves in Sibbertoft, Northamptonshire, facing off against a group of hunt protesters. Tensions quickly boiled over as an altercation broke out.
Protester Hospitalised After Horse Charge
During the scuffle, protesters’ body cameras and camcorders were damaged by members of the hunt. Then, 27-year-old Christopher Mardles, formerly of Petworth, West Sussex, rode at the protest group and collided with a man in his 60s. The victim was airlifted to hospital with broken ribs, a broken collarbone, a split shoulder blade, and nerve damage.
Victim Speaks Out on Haunting Attack
“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.”
Jail Time for Hunt Rider
At Nottingham Crown Court in March, Mardles pleaded guilty to wounding with intent under Section 20. Yesterday (Thursday, November 9), he was handed a prison sentence of one year and six months for the dangerous attack.
