Cottesmore Hunt thug pleads guilty after terrorising saboteurs
David Fildes faced multiple charges after weeks of violence earlier this year.
A hired thug who made life hell for hunt saboteurs pleaded guilty in court on 6 November. David Fildes faced multiple charges after weeks of violence against sabs earlier in 2024. He will be sentenced in December.
Northants Hunt Saboteurs stated that Fildes is the Cottesmore Hunt's "main hired hunt thug". The sabs reported:
"He was charged with the following:
Assault by beating X5
Unlawful violence
Use threatening /abusive /insulting words / behaviour with intent to cause fear of / provoke"
The sabs continued:
"Let's not beat around the bush here. This violent and threatening individual ran roughshod for the early part of 2024 under the instructions of the Cottesmore Hunt and was employed along with several others to cause violence and intimidation to Northants Hunt Saboteurs and to drive sabs out and put a stop to our winning campaign."
Smashing windscreen with a hammer
Protect the Wild has previously covered how the hunt’s masked thugs relentlessly targeted the saboteurs who tried to prevent them chasing and killing foxes. Incidents included:
6 January: Northants Sabs were followed by four men wearing balaclavas, with matching puffy jackets (see image above). The men prevented the sabs from following the hunt by surrounding them and using physical force. The female sabs were thrown to the ground and dragged through the mud.
13 January: “ten plus” masked thugs attack the sabs’ vehicle, trying to gain access to the sabs themselves. Northants Sabs’ account of that incident stated:
“As sabs monitored their movements, the Cottesmore’s hired henchmen came down the Colsterworth road just east of Stainby and blocked all traffic. Again, balaclava wearing thugs exited the vehicles, spilt out across the road and ran towards our vehicle. Blocked from the rear also, sabs tried to move forward surrounded by the mob. A hammer went into the windscreen as the vehicle’s wing mirror was ripped off. Again, the Cottesmore’s gang desperately tried to get into the vehicle and the sabs inside. For the third time that day some inspired driving got sabs around the blocking vehicle and away.”
24 February: Northants Sabs wrote:
“More threats of violence and intimidation were dished out towards members of our group from the Cottesmore’s hired thugs. One woman was threatened with physical violence for simply responding to a question and others were threatened about where they live.
This all happened in front of Leicestershire police officers who were called in regards to road traffic offences that took place earlier in the day.”
Prior to these incidents, the Cottesmore was renowned for intimidating and physically hurting the sabs who stand in their way.
In September 2021, hunt saboteur Mel Broughton suffered broken ribs when a Cottesmore Hunt steward assaulted him. He drifted in and out of consciousness before being rushed to hospital.
In October 2022, Angela Jarrom committed a hit-and-run on a hunt saboteur during a Cottesmore Hunt meet on her land. Jarrom pleaded guilty to a diminished charge of actual bodily harm, but escaped going to prison.
And in November 2023, huntsman Sam Jones was, disgracefully, found not guilty of common assault after his horse leapt a fence while a sab was standing on the other side. As a result, the horse hit the saboteur.
Support the sabs!
As foxes' only line of defence against these bloodlust-fuelled maniacs, Northants Hunt Sabs are literally putting their lives on the line. You can show your support for them by donating to them. The sabs said:
"We would like to extend a huge huge thank you to each and every one of you for your support and in particular the support you all showed us during the start of this year when the Cottesmore’s hired thug David Fildes and his gang tried to end us for good. Your strength remains a constant and is never missed by us! "
Image credit Northants Hunt Sabs. Please donate to Northants Hunt Saboteurs, who have literally put their lives on the line to sab illegal hunting.