Sheffield woman among 24 charged over Grand National protest

Merseyside Police have confirmed that 24 people have been charged in connection with the protest at the Grand National in 2023, including a 35 year old woman from Sheffield

The investigation was launched after large-scale protest at last year's event, which saw activists scale the fences at Aintree and enter the racehouse.

Zara Verryt, 35, of Sheldon Road Sheffield is accused intentional/reckless public nuisance after allegedly climbing a fence.

Previously, a number of people have been charged and appeared in court for blocking access for vehicles near junction 2 of the M57.

A total of five people have been charged with intentional/reckless public nuisance after allegedly entering the racecourse. They are:

• Edward Allnutt, 33, of Mortimer Street in London

• Michelle Farnham, 26, of The Cleve, in Harpenden

• Robert Gordon, 28, of Walker Drive, in York

• Daniel Kidby, 32, of St Michael’s Place, in Stroud

• Alistair Stewart, 28, of Boleyn Road, in London

A further 19 people are charged with allegedly climbing over fences and attempting to get onto the racecourse. These are:

• Joshua Brooks, 37, of Oakhurst Gardens, in Walthamstow

• Alexandra Dunnet, 25, of Harford Mews, in London

• Ben Stevenson, 24, of Cromwell Close, in Acton

• Zoe Copley, 51, of Cysgod Y Castell, Llandudno

• Jamie Lesse, 50, of Booth Street, Chesterton

• Richard Raineri, 26, of Gosberton Road, in London

• James Brand, 22, of no fixed abode

• Connor Peters, 25, of Main Street, in North Frodingham

• Luke Wood, 51, of Main Road, in Stonely

• Marcus Emmerson, 28, of no fixed abode

• Calum Marshall, 26, of Hope Park Terrace, Newington, Edinburgh

• Lesley Hill, 57, of Tithebarn Cottages, in Llanasa

• Zara Verryt, 35, of Sheldon Road, in Sheffield

• Joshua Parkinson, 28, Musgrave View, in Leeds

• Imogen Robertson, 23, of Grange Gardens, in Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire

• Sarah McCaffrey, 21, of Hunterlees Gardens, Glassford, in Strathaven

• Lewis Elliott, 31, of no fixed abode

• Laura Cox, 29, of Millfield Avenue, in York

• Megan Thornbury, 45, of Millstone Way, in Gloucester

They have all been bailed and due to appear at South Sefton Magistrates’ Court on either Wednesday 10 October or Wednesday 6 November.

• grand national protest