Foxhounds master cleared in first test of new hunting law

THE first huntsman charged under Scotland’s controversial fox hunting laws was yesterday found not guilty, in a ruling which could have far-reaching effects for the sport.

Trevor Adams, 46, walked free from Jedburgh Sheriff Court when it was ruled he had not deliberately hunted a fox with 20 dogs.

Sheriff Kevin Drummond said that Mr Adams was operating within the two-year-old act when he led a group who were working for free to rid farmland of pests.

He stated: "I have found that he was searching for foxes for the purpose of flushing them from cover in order that they might be shot. He acted to ensure that that was done. I have found that the dogs were under control at the material time."

Speaking after the case, Mr Adams, formerly hounds master of Scotland’s largest hunt, the Buccleuch, said: "I am very relieved by the sheriff’s ruling. Having never been accused of a crime before, I am very glad that justice has prevailed and I am looking forward to getting on with my life.

"I will continue in my job as a huntsman for the Buccleuch Foxhounds and will continue to offer the pest control service that the landowners and farmers have requested from us.

"I am personally very pleased that our interpretation of the new form of hunting has been supported by this judgment."

The Duke of Buccleuch’s Foxhounds are due out today, led by Mr Adams.

Joe Scott-Plummer, a spokesman for the Buccleuch Foxhounds, said: "We have always believed Trevor to be innocent and he has our full support as a huntsman. This confirms our belief that the fox control service that we have been offering landowners and farmers over the past two and a half years has been undertaken within the bounds of the law."

But Mike Hobday, of the League Against Cruel Sports, said the case should be treated on its own and said legislation was still in place to curb illegal hunting. "The sheriff has found that in this case there was not enough evidence under the act to convict and, as is right and proper, Mr Adams was found not guilty.

"But the message is still clear that if people go out fox hunting and break the law they will be brought to court."