MARK FERGUSON OF SKEFFINGTON SHOCKS COMMUNITY WITH VIOLENT ATTACK ON HUNT SABOTEUR NEAR CLIPSTON

In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Mark Ferguson, a resident of Skeffington and a known figure in the area, was found guilty of assaulting a hunt saboteur during a confrontation that took place in October 2019. Ferguson, who also serves as a director of the Woodland Pytchley Hunt, was involved in a violent clash with members of the Peterborough Hunt Sabs near the village of Clipston.

According to court records and eyewitness accounts, Ferguson's aggressive behavior culminated in him grabbing a woman by the back of her collar and then striking her on the head with a horse crop. The incident was captured on camera, showing Ferguson riding up behind the victim on his horse before launching the attack. The woman, who was in her 50s, sustained injuries including a cut to her head and bruising around her neck. The assault caused her to be thrown backwards, which resulted in her phone being shattered upon impact.

The court heard that the altercation was part of a broader conflict between members of the Pytchley Hunt, based in Brixworth, and the hunt saboteurs. Despite Ferguson's insistence on his innocence, he was convicted of both assault and criminal damage. He was subsequently ordered to pay fines and costs totaling £2,125. Ferguson had pleaded not guilty to the charges but was found guilty after the evidence was presented in court.

Police officials from Northamptonshire confirmed the victim's injuries and emphasized the seriousness of the incident. PC Chloe Gillies, a rural crime officer, expressed her satisfaction with the court's decision, stating, “I am pleased that Mark Ferguson was found guilty of these offences at court as this type of behaviour is unacceptable. Ferguson’s actions here could have had far more serious consequences and for the victim’s sake, I am pleased that they didn’t. There is never an excuse to assault someone and Northamptonshire Police will always pursue criminal action against any offender.”

It was also revealed that Mark Ferguson is a chartered surveyor operating his own firm, Mark Ferguson Ltd. His involvement in this violent episode has raised concerns among residents and animal rights advocates alike, highlighting the ongoing tensions between hunting groups and hunt saboteurs in the region.