Animal Rising protester to remain in custody after being refused bail at magistrates' court

The Animal Rising protester who gained access to the track during Saturday's Derby will remain in custody after being refused bail at Guildford Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Ben Newman, who was swiftly removed from the track on Saturday by police and security, pleaded not guilty to the charge of causing public nuisance and requested his case to be heard by the crown court.

The 32-year-old represented himself and will be remanded in custody until July 6, when he is scheduled to appear at Guildford Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Before pushing for a summary trial due to the "straightforward facts of the case", prosecutor Natalie Roepke said: "The defendant can be seen to enter the track while the race is running. He put his own life and the lives of others at risk, and more importantly, the horses that Animal Rising claims to protect."

After the matter was referred to the crown court, the prosecution sought for Newman to remain in custody. It said he had "no regard for the safety of himself or others" and referenced this month's Royal Ascot, stating there were grounds to believe he may "attempt to disrupt more races and put more horses at risk".

When asked why he should be granted bail, Newman said he had carried out a "symbolic protest" and that the only impact was "jeering from the crowd".

A further 30 people were arrested by Surrey Police before and during racing at Epsom on Saturday on suspicion of conspiracy to intentionally cause a public nuisance but were later bailed, including two women who were apprehended by officers "moments before" they were about to run on to the course.

An injunction covering much of Epsom racecourse was in force on Saturday, to act as a deterrent to protesters entering the track, as they had done when delaying the start of Aintree's Grand National by 14 minutes in April.

A spokesman for the Jockey Club, Epsom's owner, on Sunday said it was considering taking legal action against the individual who made it on to the course, while costs for the extra security could potentially be sought from Animal Rising.

A total of 19 Animal Rising protesters also appeared in Ayr Sheriff Court on Monday following disruption to the Scottish Grand National at Ayr on April 22, which was delayed. They were among 24 people from the group charged with breach of the peace.

They denied all charges and were granted bail, with the special bail condition that they do not enter or attempt to enter any racing or greyhound venue in Scotland. Warrants were issued for four people who did not attend court, while a new date has been set for one who could not appear due to illness. There will be further court hearings in August and their trials will start on various dates in early September.

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Epsom protesters bailed as Jockey Club considers taking legal action against Animal Rising 

'Deplorable, reckless and dangerous' - BHA and Jockey Club slam Animal Rising for failed protest attempt during Derby 

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