Invading Derby Course Resulted in Hefty Fine and Suspension for Animal Rights Activist

Bel Newman is a renowned figure owing to his dedication to animal activism and has made it to the headlines followed by his unauthorized entry into the Epsom course. Being an avid member of Animal Rising, the activist group, Newman has been exposed to sentencing because of his daring move during the Derby.

Newman had to bear grave consequences as a result of his action which has been considered to be a breach of the Jockey Club’s injunction. Here we chronicle the legal proceedings that the activist has been subjected to. 

Newman draws attention through a bold protest at the derby

The incident took place in June when Newman proceeded to execute a bold protest during one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the UK known as the Epsom Derby. Shortly after the commencement of the race, Newman intruded into the course and climbed a fence near the furlong pole before making his way to the finish line. 

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Although the activist admitted his misconduct that caused disruptions during the race, the swift action from the security personnel and police immediately took Newman under their custody. These actions led him to a charge of contempt of court along with handing him a prison sentence spanning over a period of two months backed up with an 18-month long suspension.

 

Mr Justice Miles, the judge of the Chancery Division of the High Court shared his viewpoint about Newman’s action with BBC stating, “He was not acting under pressure or compulsion and his actions were his own.”

The Jockey Club remains firm about the verdict

Newman who was among the 31 people arrested in June reminded the spectators and the horse-racing community of the 1913 suffragette protest in which Emily Davison was injured when she came in front of the King’s horse. The stark parallels drawn in the process of investigation led Newman to accord to the payment of £10,000 as a penalty for intrusion and bearing the costs incurred by the Jockey Club due to this act.  

Besides the suspension of the prison sentence, the activist was ordered to complete unpaid work for 80 hours along with paying a remuneration amounting to £1,356. Following the strict penalization procedure, Newman expressed genuine remorse for his actions and the consequences during his remand for 36 days.

However, the chief executive of the Jockey Club, Nevin Truesdale expressed his accord with the decision made by the high court against Newman. He further intended to send a message stating the intolerance of the club to any illegal or reckless behavior. 

Even though Ben Newman has been a renowned Animal Rising activist, Jockey Club refused to compromise with disruptions at prestigious events. The club stays firm in its commitment to ensuring safety and order during the events and taking firm action serves as a warning to those contemplating intruding at high-profile races in the future.

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