Two protestors admit trying to disrupt Scottish Grand National
13 other members of the Animal Rising group will go on trial accused of entering the track at Ayr Racecourse back in April
Last updated 30th Aug 2023
Two animal rights campaigners have admitted entering the track at Ayr Racecourse in an attempt to stop the Scottish Grand National from taking place.
Rose Paterson, 34, from London, and Joshua Parkinson, 27, from Leeds, were among 24 people from the Animal Rising group charged by police after disruption on the day of the race in April.
Guilty pleas were entered on behalf of Paterson and Parkinson by their lawyer Clare Ryan to charges of breach of the peace by conducting themselves in a disorderly manner and forming part of a disorderly crowd to overcome security and enter the racetrack.
Paterson and Parkinson admitted entering the track with the intention of disrupting the race
They admitted entering the track at Ayr Racecourse when a race meeting was in progress equipped with glue, piping and other implements designed to enable people to secure themselves to jumps, fences or railings on April 22.
They denied a second charge of trespassing at Ayr Racecourse on the same date, which was accepted by the Crown when the case called at Ayr Sheriff Court on Wednesday.
Sheriff Siobhan Connelly said the pair, who were excused attendance, will be sentenced next month.
Procedural hearings also took place for a number of others who face the same two charges, and were also excused attendance on Wednesday.
13 others maintain not guilty pleas and will appear in court
Gemma Barnes, 23, from Norwich; Miranda Courtney, 39, from Leeds; Jamie Carter, 28, from Norwich; Nathan McGovern, 24, from London; Benjamin Stevenson, 23, from London; Zuki Paul, 23, from Reading; Imogen Robertson, 22, from Stirling; Alex Hamil, 55, from Bath; Robert Houston, 44, from London; Jennifer d'Netto, 54, from Malvern Wells; Joshua Lane, 26, from Alfreton; Calum Marshall, 25, from Edinburgh; and Claire Smith, 25, from Leeds, maintained their not guilty pleas through their lawyers and will stand trial next month.
The Scottish Grand National was not delayed and the 18-horse race, which started at 3.38pm, was won by Kitty Light.