Hunt protestors on trial

Eight pro-hunt protestors who burst into the House of Commons during the debate on the Hunting Bill have gone on trial at Bow Street magistrates’ court.

The eight are charged with a public order offence alleging their “disorderly” behaviour caused “harassment, alarm or distress”.

They will contest the charge and it is thought they may attempt to call a number of MPs as witnesses to argue that they were not alarmed or distressed.

Those on trial include Otis Ferry, 22, the son of rock star Brian Ferry and Luke Tomlinson, 28, a polo player and friend of princes William and Harry.