CONVICTED (2022) | Mark Marshall Ferguson, born November 1972, of 2 Vale Lodge, Rolleston Road, Skeffington LE7 9YD – attacked a hunt saboteur with a horse crop. Mark Ferguson, a director of the Woodland Pytchley Hunt, was found guilty of assault and criminal damage following a clash with Peterborough Hunt Sabs in October 2019. The court heard that Ferguson grabbed a woman by the back of her collar before striking her on the head with his riding crop in a field near Clipston. Mark Ferguson is caught on camera attacking a hunt saboteur. Image source: Peterborough Hunt Sabs Ferguson pleaded not guilty to both offences but was convicted and ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £2,125. Police confirmed the victim — who was in her 50s — suffered a cut head and bruising to her neck after Ferguson rode up behind her on his horse during an altercation between members of the Brixworth-based Pytchley Hunt and the group in October 2019. She was also thrown backwards, causing her phone to smash. Northamptonshire Police rural crime officer, PC Chloe Gillies, said: “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.” Northampton Chronicle Additional information Mark Ferguson is a chartered surveyor with his own firm, Mark Ferguson Ltd.