Ben Newman, who was filmed running onto the Epsom Downs course after the Derby had started and was subsequently apprehended by security in June, was spared jail time after his 18 weeks of imprisonment was suspended for two years, Sky Sports reported on Thursday. The defendant, 32 and part of protest group Animal Rising, was also fined a total of £1,356.
The defendant entered a guilty plea at Guildford Crown Court for causing a public nuisance. The judge criticised Newman for “endangering” the lives of police and security stationed around the course. Epsom Downs obtained an injunction banning Animal Rising prior to the Derby Festival. Newman was one of 31 people arrested on the day of the race.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
