Norwich duo face trial for Scottish Grand National protests

Gemma Barnes, 23, and Jamie Carter, 28, were charged by police after disruption at the Scottish Grand National in April 2023. 

The pair are members of the Animal Rising activism group and were among 24 people who were charged with committing a breach of the peace and trespassing at Ayr Racecourse. 

Ms Barnes and Mr Carter have both pleaded not guilty to the charges through their lawyers and are due to stand trial next month.

Members of Animal Rising were charged by police after disruption at the race in Ayr (Image: PA)

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Two other campaigners admitted trying to stop the race by entering the track when the case was called at Ayr Sheriff Court earlier today (August 30).

Rose Paterson, 34, from London, and Joshua Parkinson, 27, from Leeds, had guilty pleas entered on their behalf by lawyer Clare Ryan, to a charge of committing a breach of the peace by conducting themselves in a disorderly manner and forming part of a disorderly crowd to overcome security and enter the racetrack.

They admitted entering the track equipped with glue, piping and other implements designed to enable people to secure themselves to jumps, fences or railings.

They denied a second charge of trespassing, which was accepted by the Crown.

A member of activism group Animal Rising is restrained by police at the Scottish Grand National (Image: PA)

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Sheriff Siobhan Connelly said the pair, who were excused attendance, will be sentenced next month.

Procedural hearings also took place for a number of others who face the same two charges, including Norwich pair Barnes and Carter, who were also excused attendance.

The Scottish Grand National was not delayed by the protests, as the 18-horse race went ahead as planned.