Sam Hadlow from Faversham guilty of attacking hunt saboteurs' vehicle in Woodchurch

Published: 15:07, 03 November 2020

Updated: 15:37, 03 November 2020

A 19-year-old has pleaded guilty to attacking a car containing hunt saboteurs.

Samuel Hadlow, from Ospringe, near Faversham, confronted members of the East Kent Saboteurs group in his car on September 10 last year, parking across a road in Woodchurch during the confrontation.

A car's window was smashed in with a hammer by 19-year-old Samuel Hadlow

The protestors checked his car and found it had no insurance or tax.

As Hadlow turned his car to flee, he landed a damaging blow on the back windscreen of an activist's Mitsubishi Pajero with a hammer.

A police chase ensued and, after darting out of the car, the hammer was discovered in the driver-side door well.

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Appearing at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on Thursday, he was fined £1,047 after admitting to all the charges against him - driving without a licence, tax or third party insurance and criminal damage.

He also got docked six points for driving without a valid licence.

Hadlow and a passenger were filmed during the attack

The West Kent Hunt Sabs have welcomed the conviction and the £180 compensation included in his fines.

They commented on a Facebook post: "We hope this serves as a warning that violence never pays.

"Thank you to all our supporters for your continued support."

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