Four animal rights protesters charged with harassing a Hillgrove cat farm worker walked free from court after the case against them collapsed.

The four, and another who did not appear in court, formed part of a demonstration outside Susan O'Shea's home in Finstock on January 18 this year.

Bicester Magistrates' Court heard about 30 protesters gathered outside the house, most wearing balaclavas and scarves to cover their faces.

Police officers stationed in the house, filmed the protest, in which demonstrators were heard shouting 'cat killers' and 'vivisection scum'.

Five protesters were arrested following the demonstration and charged with intimidation and harassment leading to alarm and distress. They were: Richard England, 21, of High Leadon, Newent, Gloucestershire, Helen de Pulford, 32, of English Bicknell, Colford, Gloucestershire, Angela Hamp, 33, of Brede, East Sussex, Heather Avery, also known as Heather James of Save the Hillgrove Cats, of the same address as Mr England, and Hayley Hewkin, 23, of Wigan, Manchester. Ms Hewkin did not attend court.

The case against them collapsed after Ms O'Shea told the court she had not seen or heard the protesters during the demonstration, although she said she was 'very, very frightened' by their presence.

Heather Avery said afterwards: "It's a great verdict but it's a waste of public money. Another trial has been thrown out of court.

"The main objective of the demonstration was to inform the neighbours of who they had living in their street and what she did for a living, particularly the people who have cats.

"It's similar to child abusers, people want to know who is living in their neighbourhood.

"It was certainly not to intimidate or harass.

"We cover our faces because we are sick of the police taking photos and videoing us. We wore balaclavas and scarves to protect ourselves."

She said she did not think Ms O'Shea would have been scared because the police were in the house with her.

Helen de Pulford said afterwards: "We're going to close Hillgrove Farm down. Just because people are going to court it isn't going to stop us. We'll carry on until the place is closed and the suffering stops."

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