Woman wears t-shirt bearing words 'not guilty' in court as she denies charge

One man and five women have denied causing a public nuisance after protesters attempted to storm Aintree Racecourse during the Grand National. Members of activist group Animal Rising were said to have breached security fences while runners were in the parade ring during last year's flagship event, causing a delay of 12 minutes as at least two people attached themselves to a fence on the track.

Others glued themselves to the carriageway of the nearby M57. Six defendants who have since been charged in relation to the incident appeared before Liverpool Crown Court this afternoon, Wednesday.

Fifty-five-year-old Bernadette Green, of Drove Road in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, appeared via video link from her home while 46-year-old Emma Harding, of Dongola Road in Bristol, 56-year-old Barry Jackson, of Greenaway Close in Northampton, 23-year-old Rebecca Tolley, of East End Road in Finchley, North London, 30-year-old Rayner Croft, of Princess Road in Manchester, and 33-year-old Yasmin Lovell, of Beverley Close in Swansea, were present in the dock. The latter sported a t-shirt featuring a picture of a badger and the words "not guilty" printed underneath.

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All pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance, with charge sheets alleging that they "climbed over a perimeter offence, disrupting the start of the Grand National". They will now face a three-week trial beginning on September 1 next year and were released on bail by Judge Gary Woodhall until this date.

One protester, Sarah McCaffrey, said following the incident: "Whether it's for food or for fun, our use of animals and nature is symbolic of a relationship beyond broken. We're a nation of animal lovers, but the pain these beautiful creatures experience daily does not do that label justice. We need to find ways of loving animals that don't hurt them.

"I truly believe that we are a nation of animal lovers, every one of us. I know everyone coming to Aintree to view the races today would say they love the horses. However, the suffering experienced by them should shock us all. That's why I've decided to put my body between those horses and death on the racecourse, rather than gamble with their lives."

An Aintree Racecourse spokesman meanwhile told the ECHO: "We respect the right to peaceful protest, but sincerely hope that Animal Rising reflect on whether their proposed actions are legitimate and responsible. Their actions could endanger the horses they purport to protect as well as jockeys, officials and themselves. As you would expect, we are working closely with Merseyside Police to ensure we protect the safety and enjoyment of everyone, including all participants, human or equine, at the Grand National."