JOHN WRIGHT FROM JOHNSTONE CONVICTED FOR VIOLENT ATTACK ON FOXHUNT PROTESTOR IN LANARKSHIRE

John Bennet Wright, born on 25 March 1989 and residing at 17 Viking Crescent, Houston, Johnstone PA6 8LQ, was convicted in 2022 for assaulting a disabled foxhunt protestor. Wright, associated with the Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire (L&R) Hunt, was caught on camera violently removing Grant Sloan, a man who uses aids to walk, from his vehicle and kicking him repeatedly.

The incident occurred in October 2020 in Bridge of Weir, where Mr Sloan was watching the L&R Hunt. The footage shows Wright physically pulling Mr Sloan out of his car and kicking him in the chest after a confrontation.

Prosecutor Amber Feeney explained to the court: “Around 3:30 pm, Mr Sloan was parked at the side of the road in Bridge of Weir during a fox hunt. Three males approached, including the accused. One of them shouted at Mr Sloan to leave. Mr Sloan attempted to explain he was not there to cause trouble.

“Then, the accused and another man opened his car door and dragged him out. Mr Sloan recorded the incident with his phone, capturing Wright kicking him repeatedly. The footage shows Wright kicking Mr Sloan on the chest.

“Police were called, and after conducting system checks for fox hunt nominals, they identified Wright as the individual in the video.”

Ms Feeney added that Mr Sloan opposed fox hunting and was observing the event to record any illegal activity, suggesting Wright appeared to be a supporter of fox hunting.

Wright’s defense attorney, Craig Broadley, acknowledged his client’s conduct. He stated: “He accepts his actions. He doesn’t believe he kicked the man particularly hard, but he recognizes that it doesn’t make a difference.

“Wright had been drinking with a friend near the area and, on his way home, encountered the group. He accepts that his behavior was aggressive and unacceptable.”

Sheriff Eoin McGinty sentenced Wright to a 12-month supervision order, 180 hours of unpaid work, and ordered him to pay £500 in compensation to the victim. The court's decision was applauded by Glasgow Hunt Sabs, a wildlife protection group, which expressed satisfaction with the verdict.

A spokesperson from Glasgow Hunt Sabs told the national newspaper the Express: “We are pleased with this outcome. John Wright attacked a disabled member of our group who was monitoring illegal hunting with the Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire Foxhounds.

“Our member managed to film part of the attack, which was crucial for the conviction. On that day, our group faced violent threats from hunt staff, and another vehicle had its tires slashed by those involved.

“We continue to call for stricter fox hunting laws in Scotland. Until the laws are improved, we will persist in protecting wildlife from the cruelty of fox hunting, regardless of the threats and violence we face.”

In March 2022, Wright was also issued a community sentence, a fine, and a driving ban after being caught driving under the influence of alcohol more than six times the legal limit. He was also found in possession of a locking knife without justification. His lawyer highlighted Wright’s history of alcohol misuse and addiction, noting that he is attending Alcoholics Anonymous.