Nine Protestors Sentenced for 2023 Grand National Disruption

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A total of nine people have been sentenced in court today, Friday 2 May, for their role in the protest at the Grand National in 2023.

They appeared at Liverpool Crown Court earlier today for intentionally/recklessly causing a public nuisance and were issued with fines, community service and in one case a suspended prison sentence.

They were part of a group of people who attempted to get onto the Aintree racecourse during the widespread protest two years ago.

The following people were given community service and fines of varying amounts:

  • Bernadette Green, 55, of Drove Road, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire

  • Emma Harding, 47, of Dongola Road, Bristol

  • Jenny Elliott, 48, of Trinity Road, Oxford

  • Zoe Copley, 51, of Cysgod Y Castell, Llandudno

  • Luke Wood, 52, of Main Road, in Stonely

  • Ben Stevenson, 25, of Cromwell Close, in Acton

  • Lesley Hill, 58, of Tithebarn Cottages, in Llanasa

  • Laura Cox, 30, of Millfield Avenue, in York

A ninth person - Alexandra Dunnet, 25, of Harford Mews, in London - was given a nine week prison sentence, which was suspended for six months.

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Dyer said: “Since the protest and disruption caused at the Grand National two years ago, we have charged 54 people and these nine are the latest to be sentenced in court. Our enquiries into the incident remain ongoing.

“This adds to another nine people who were dealt with by the courts last year, so I hope this shows that time is no barrier for our investigation team.

“Merseyside Police respects the right to a peaceful protest and expression of views, but where this crosses into criminal behaviour and disorder it will not be tolerated.

“I hope this sends a clear message and acts as a deterrent to others that we will be put you before the courts to be prosecuted for these serious actions.”