Animal Rights Activists Cleared Over protests that delayed start of Aintree Grand National

Six animal rights activists who were charged over their part in protests that delayed the start of the Grand National have been cleared by a court.

The group were among 54 people arrested by police for allegedly climbing over fences and attempting to get onto the famous Aintree racecourse in April 2023.

The commotion held up runners and riders for almost 15 minutes at the start of the steeplechase, which has become notorious for its unusually high number of equine fatalities. One horse subsequently died in the race, taking the total deaths to over 60 since 2000.

But following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court on 24 September 2025, the six of the protestors were cleared of intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance, an offence which can be punishable by a fine and up to 10 years in prison.

They included Calum Marshall, 26, of Hope Park Terrace, Newington, Edinburgh, who instructed specialist protest solicitors from Hodge Jones & Allen to help him defend a charge

Raj Chada, a partner at Hodge Jones & Allen who acted for Mr Marshall, said: “Merseyside Police says it respects the right to a peaceful protest, yet this was not the case for my client who has had this court case hanging over him for more than two years.

“He has already been unfairly punished for standing by his principles and I am pleased that the courts have rightly recognised this and cleared his name. Our client hopes that the true focus can turn on the barbaric treatment of horses in the name of sport.”

The five other defendants who were cleared of the same charges were Sarah McCaffrey, 22, of Hunterlees Gardens, Glassford, in Strathaven, Lewis Elliott, 31, of no fixed address, Marcus Emmerson, 28, of no fixed address, Imogen Robertson, 23, of Grange Gardens, in Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire, and Zara Verryt, 35, of Sheldon Road, Sheffield.