Hunt led by Princess Diana's sister sued

A hunt led by Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Princess Diana's sister, is being sued for six-figure damages after a member of staff assaulted a legal observer, leaving him with serious injuries including a broken neck. 

Darrly Cunnington and Roger Swaine are suing the hunt for £100,000 in damages after being attacked and pushed down a steep slope by four men in balaclavas. 

The pair, who are investigators with the League Against Cruel Sports, were observing the hunt to ensure it was taking place in a lawful manner. 

The court heard that the four men in balaclavas were called on by George Grant, the kennel man of the hunt and his son Thomas. It was said that the pair were in the midst of a confrontation with Mr Cunnington and Mr Swaine when Grant told his son to "Go and get the boys."

At which point, Thomas returned with four "masked men" who attacked the victims on 12 March 2016. 

Mr Cunnington, 60, suffered a fractured vertebra after being pushed down the 14ft slope and was kicked as he lay on the ground. Mr Swaine, 47, was also pushed down a 6ft slope and had his camera stolen.

Lady Sarah McCorquodale, joint master of the Belvoir Hunt and Princess Diana's eldest sister, said Grant's actions had been "out of character" and that she had "never seen him lose his temper like that." 

At the trial she said: "We've had contact on a regular basis … he has always been courteous, polite, hard working and a good communicator. I've seen him under pressure [but] I've no idea what happened on this occasion".

Grant and his son pleaded guilty to assault causing grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm, theft and criminal damage to property. The pair were sentenced to 13 months in jail, suspended for two years and ordered to carry out 200 hours of community service.

Mr Cunnington and Mr Swaine argue that the Belvoir Hunt is "vicariously liable" for the assault which was carried out by members of their staff and that they are entitled to compensation for damages.

The hunt denies any responsibility in "aiding and abetting the assault and harassment". It said: "George Grant was not acting in the course of his employment, nor was such behaviour remotely connected with the work which he was required to perform. Quite the contrary was the case: he would have been acting in complete disregard of the specific instructions with which he had been issued."

The case continues.

Solicitors in Wilmslow