Derby protester Ben Newman handed suspended sentence for breaching High Court injunction at Epsom

An animal rights campaigner who raced on the Epsom Derby track has been given a suspended prison sentence for breaching a High Court injunction.

Ben Newman was filmed running around the course as the 12-furlong Classic began on June 3.

The Jockey Club, which owns Epsom, had already obtained an injunction banning the group Animal Rising, of which Newman is a supporter, from intervening in the event.

During contempt of court proceedings in London on Wednesday, the High Court heard that Newman had admitted breaching the order and was given a two-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

Tim James-Matthews, on behalf of Newman, said he “reiterates his sincere apologies to the court, the applicant and those affected by his conduct”.

The court heard the “committed animal rights advocate” entered the track near the finish line shortly after the start of the race, around two minutes from the horses.

Mr James-Matthews said the horses could have been stopped if necessary and Newman’s actions were different from the 1913 suffragette protest in which Emily Davison was fatally injured after running in front of the King’s horse.

“This is not the case, we are very far away – literally – from this scenario,” the lawyer said.

Judge Miles said he recognized that Newman was “motivated by conscience goals”, but did not rule on their legitimacy.

He continued: “The only question before the court at this hearing is the appropriate sanction to impose on the defendant for his admitted contempt of court.

“He deliberately flouted the order. His actions were planned in advance. He was not acting under pressure or duress and his actions were his own.”

Judge Miles heard that Newman had previously pleaded guilty to public nuisance in related criminal proceedings and had spent more than 30 days in custody before his sentencing in July.

In handing down the suspended sentence, the judge noted that Newman had apologized and had “a taste of imprisonment”.

Following the sentencing, Nevin Truesdale, chief executive of the Jockey Club, said: “Ben Newman’s decision to breach security and run onto the track while the Derby was in progress was a reckless stunt which could have compromised security. and the safety of humans and horses. “.

He added: “We have always been very clear that if anyone chose to breach the injunction we would not hesitate to take further action.

“Our intention has always been for this action to be both clear and proportionate and we accept the sanction imposed on Mr Newman by the court today.

“More broadly, we sincerely hope that by pursuing this case in the High Court we will send a very clear message to anyone who may in the future consider disrupting racing in this way, that we will never tolerate illegal and reckless behavior of that type. “.