THE Master of the Ross Harriers Hunt, David Lee Peters, 33, from Coughton, has been cleared of hurling racial abuse at an anti-hunt protestor during a meeting at the Pennyfarthing Inn at Aston Crews in January 2012

Last November Hereford Magistrates found Mr Peters guilty of racial abuse towards Hiba Hassain, when hunt protestors gathered during a Ross Harrier meet. Mr Peters maintained the incident didn't happen. He was given a fine by the Judge totalling nearly £3000, including £200 to be paid as compensation to the victim.

At Worcester Crown Court last Tuesday, a panel of Judges concluded there were inconsistencies in the story, which meant there was reasonable doubt. Speaking to the Ross Gazette, Ross Harriers Chairman, Major Jonathan Seed said: "Lee is a local man, who lives and works with his hounds in Coughton. He and his family were devastated at the false allegations levelled at him.

"Mr Peters feels vindicated and he and his family are relieved a very difficult period has come to an end. It should never have started in the first place."

For more stories in full please see this week's Ross Gazette.