In April, Roy Innes, 26, became one of the first people charged with violating Scotland’s ban on fox hunting. Innes was charged with participating in a fox hunt in October 2002, but maintains he is innocent of the charges.
In September, Innes home was set on fire while he and has girlfriend slept in the upstairs level of the house. The arson took place a day after an article about Innes’ alleged violation of the fox hunt ban appeared in a local newspaper.
Innes told The Express,
The fire-raisers took my hunting gear, including my breeches, which were hanging on the washing line to dry, and had stacked them at the door.
They then lit them and left them to burn. If my girlfriend hadn’t woken up, we could have died.
I believe they have just gone a step too far this time.
Police confirmed that they were treating the fire as an arson. A police spokesperson told The Express, “The door of the house had been set on fire and the owner had put it out. It has been listed as arson and we are investigating.”
Sources:
Master of hunt claims he was target for arson. Billy Briggs, The Herald (Glasgow), September 12, 2003.
Hunt Master’s Home ‘Targeted By Arsonists’. Ben Mitchell, Press Association, September 1, 2003.