In September 2023 an active and essential supporter of Camp Beagle, Perry Sanger, also known as ‘Local man’, was arrested by Cambridgeshire Police on charges of ‘following and harassing MBR Acres staff’ all of which were denied by the activist.
After 14 months of being bailed away from Camp Beagle, the case was heard at Peterborough Magistrates Court Tuesday 26th November 2024 with a total of 8 charges being heard.
The case concluded in Mr Sanger being found not guilty of all charges.
- Section 4A(1) and (5) of the Public Order Act 1986 – In relation to the alleged incident involving MBR Worker A* on 15/07/2023 – Not Guilty
- Section 4A(1) and (5) of the Public Order Act 1986 – In relation to the alleged incident involving MBR Worker B* on 13/08/2023 – Not Guilty
- Section 4A(1) and (5) of the Public Order Act 1986 – In relation to the alleged incident involving MBR Worker C* on 20/08/2023 – Not Guilty
- Section 4A(1) and (5) of the Public Order Act 1986 – In relation to the alleged incident involving MBR Worker A* on 26/08/2023 – Not Guilty
- Section 4A(1) and (5) of the Public Order Act 1986 – In relation to the alleged incident involving MBR Worker C* on 28/09/2023 – Not Guilty
- Harassment without violence, contrary to section 2(1) and (2) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – In relation to MBR Worker A* – Not Guilty
- Harassment without violence, contrary to section 2(1) and (2) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – In relation to MBR Worker C* – Not Guilty
- Harassment without violence, contrary to section 2(1) and (2) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – In relation to MBR Worker B* following a successful submission by your advocate Margo Munro Kerr of no case to answer
Summing up his experience Mr Sanger commented,
“All along I have maintained my innocence – all of the charges related to me following workers after they had left the MBR Acres site which, taking into account that I was at Camp Beagle at least twice a day and live some 4 miles away from, it was almost guaranteed that I would be behind a worker sooner or later whilst driving home.”
John Curtin, a key player in the Camp Beagle Campaign, commented,
“It has been scandalous that an active member of Camp Beagle has been taken through the court system on charges that, if not involving MBR Acres or an Animal Rights protest, would be doubtful would have been investigated let alone supported by Cambridgeshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service.
“In the end, Perry’s acquittal is a victory for him and the campaign, reaffirming his ongoing commitment to fighting against MBR Acres.”
CBUK Revelation: During the court proceedings, a key revelation came when MBR Acres’ security guard (MBR Worker A*) disclosed that the information in his statement had come from talking extensively to CBUK.
‘Tarnia’, representing CBUK and in the public gallery throughout the hearing, looked uncomfortable at CBUK being outed in court as the source of false allegations against Mr Sanger and Camp Beagle supplied to MBR Acres staff.
The Camp Beagle Team
* MBR Workers A, B & C
The MBR Workers who made the allegations were named in full in court documentation and were called to give evidence in person. Camp Beagle and Mr Sanger have chosen NOT to reveal their names to protect their identity.