A HUNTSMAN has been found guilty of racially abusing a protestor at a hunt near Ross-on-Wye.

David Lee Peters, who is the master of the Ross Harriers Hunt, called a black woman a racist term during a meet in Aston Crews in January.

The 33-year-old, from Coughton, was also found guilty of using threatening words towards another protester at the same hunt.

He was fined a total of £720, ordered to pay £2,000 court costs and pay £200 compensation to the woman he racially abused.

Speaking after the verdict that was made at Hereford Magistrates Court yesterday, Colin Molloy, senior sector crown prosecutor, who has lead responsibility for hate crime offences for West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said: “Hunt protesters had gathered in Aston Crews to legally protest against a hunt gathering which was occurring that day.

“The victim was sat in a car when David Peters rode alongside the car and observed her sitting there.

“He then used racially abusive words to describe the victim, which were heard by fellow protesters and an independent witness.

“The victim was extremely upset at what was said and reported this matter to the police.

“This type of language or behaviour will not and should not be tolerated by anyone.

“People from all communities have a right to be protected from the prejudice at the root of racist or hate crime and the CPS is determined to play its part in this.”

See next week’s Hereford Times for more on this story.