A MAN and woman who disrupted and interfered with a legal shoot in North East Fife last year have been convicted of aggravated trespass.

Kevin Newell and Florence Blackbourn were convicted at Dundee Sheriff Court last Wednesday, and will be sentenced at a later date.

The trespass incident happened on Saturday, December 10, when the couple attended a local shooting estate as protestors, with the intention of disrupting a legal shoot. The pair intimidated a member of staff and ignored advice in relation to public safety and the legalities of pheasant shooting. They then disrupted the event by running close to the gun lines and through woodland where the pheasants were located.

The matter was reported to police and Newell and Blackbourn were identified, arrested and charged. Detective Constable Lindsay Kerr, Wildlife Officer for Fife Division, said: “We understand that pheasant shooting is an emotive issue, however this is no excuse for any offence being committed. Everyone has the right to protest, but they do not have the right disrupt legal activity and intimidate those involved.

“Newell and Blackbourn showed no respect for both legal activities and public safety when undertaking this activity," said Ms Kerr. "They made this frightening experience for those involved and jeopardise the safety of everyone there, including themselves.

“Police Scotland will always take action against those who hinder the legal activities of others," she added. "Those wishing to hold legal demonstrations can do so by liaising with local officers and making proper applications through local government.”