The case against an animal rights activist has collapsed after a legal error.

Paul Rogers, 33, of Iffley Road, Oxford, had been standing trial at Portsmouth Crown Court in Hampshire on charges of inciting arson and criminal damage.

It was alleged that Mr Rogers had submitted articles to an animal rights magazine which gave details of the activities of animal rights activists.

But the trial against Mr Rogers, and his co-defendant, Robin Webb, 53, of Cambridge, collapsed because the judge ruled that a legal document had been wrongly worded. The two men, speaking outside the court, said they would be seeking compensation but were first waiting to see how much they would be awarded in costs.

*Police fear there could be a backlash of animal rights protests against Hillgrove Farm, near Witney, if hunger striker Barry Horne, 46, dies within the next few weeks. The prisoner, who is serving 18-years for arson, is being treated at York District Hospital.

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