“Helen Weeks is a deplorable human being, we should lock her up for intimidating the hunt with her insesent busy bodying and filming of them, hunting is a long standing tradition and, lets face facts, survival of the fittest, if she had been born hundreds of years ago she would have to hunt to survive! Stupid witch of a woman - shut yourself off from the world and make us all happy”

“Justice at last, but not enough, that THUG Marles, has been sent to prison for six months. The man is just a common thug, nothing more nothing less, an objectionable foul mouthed yob. Lets hope this will be a lesson to him, but I doubt it if you look at his history.”

“I see the anti-hunt brigade are decapitating law-abiding huntsmen with helicopters now.”

“Takes guts to take on these vile, cruel sadists who get their kicks out of filming people who have done nothing illegal. Expose them for the brutes they really are.

I don't think you would cut much ice with the anti-hunting argument in France, Rose. But then you probably emigrated there to enjoy a country which has largely preserved its traditions.

In any case, where was the cruelty and sadism? Do you need reminding that hunting is now illegal and that no foxes were being hunted?

As you have chosen to flee this country, I suggest that you take your opinions with you and try filming a French hunt. I wish you the best of luck!”

“Takes guts to take on these vile, cruel sadists who get their kicks torturing animals. Keep up your reporting on them Western Gazette. Expose them for the brutes they really are.”

“What we know about this case from the papers might not give us the full picture, and indeed it does appear that the whole issue is weighted in favour of the anti-hunt brigade. Could it be that this whole issue is being blown out of proportion deliberately? I hardly think that the woman involved would have suffered so badly, as she says, from this. It's not as though she was deliberately run down at speed by the man, or kicked by the horse.

I'm not sure if we're supposed to feel sorry for the woman, angry at the rider or angry at the hunting tradition in general.

Hunting foxes with dogs is illegal now, and the law is the law. If extra enforcement of this law was deemed to be necessary then surely there would be official inspectors employed by the government/local council to carry out checks. Surely Helen Weeks understands that her intimidating behaviour toward the hunt would only incite ill-feeling. Perhaps this is what she wanted? I think it would be fair to say that she is opposed to hunting, and might be looking a reaction from the hunt that might portray them in a negative light (cue the Western Gazette).

If Mrs Weeks had any self respect, she'd have kept this whole incident, if there even was one, to herself, lest people see her for the irrelevancy she is.

Compassion? I pity the old dear.”

“I don't think anyone is condoning the behaviour of the rider in question here, it's more about the mentality of those involved in this "monitoring" and how it could be seen as obstructing people's right to do as they please within the confines of the law. Nobody likes to feel like they're under surveillance, especially if they're doing nothing wrong. In fact, watching people in this way is unjust, especially since there appears to be no evidence anything unlawful was taking place. Furthermore, what qualifies these people to conduct these types of surveillance activities? It does seem like they're given a great deal of liberty to the detriment of the hunt. Not very fair, is it?

We could have people monitoring all sorts of things, but we don't. Just because hunting with dogs to kill foxes is controversial (and illegal now), doesn't mean it should be singled out for extra attention from civilians. It just causes animosity on both sides.”

“I don't believe I have missed the point Denise, I am not condoning what Marles did in the slightest, I do believe I say "Violence is never the answer". On the other hand how would you like an activity you partake in to be under the scrutiny of someone who has no place "monitoring" it. This woman has clearly been out to cause just this kind of incident by making a mockery his choice of lifestyle activity. Of course there has to be punishments for Marles and I too agree being stripped of his jacket. Its the fact Ms Weeks has made a song and dance about the "attack" and used this incident to further her campaign against a traditional and lawful British tradition.”

“Killing someone because you lose control of your vehicle because you're drunk is in no way comparable to this situation, Darren P. What a ridiculous analogy to use. Also, I'm pretty sure drink driving has never been legal. Don't be so stupid, Darren P. Anyway, most sensible people don't put themselves in situations where they might get hurt or hurt others. This woman should have expected hostility from the huntsmen. If she was at all trained in surveillance or whatever she wants to call it, then she'd have chosen a better spot to film from. I don't condone aggression or violence, but Ms Weeks did deliberately put herself in a position that made her vulnerable to the large animals.

The East Devon hunt probably had no choice but to strip the rider of his coat because of the bad press. Any organisation would exclude a member who is under investigation for an alleged offence.

Of course this whole event only adds weight to the hunt monitors' cause and drives another wedge between the two parties. There's nothing to suggest that the hunt in question was going after a real fox, but the suspicion surrounding it on the part of the monitors, and subsequent surveillance/recording of people going about their business is bound to cause trouble.

I suggest this woman finds something better to do with her time rather than sneaking round the countryside spying on people and what they get up to. Nobody likes a busy body, especially one that goes crying to the papers.”

“LOL @ James / Andy / Peter / David , They would be the first to bleat if one of their families was hurt by someone breaking the law , wife / children killed by a drunk driver perhaps ? , well it USED to be ok to drink and drive back in the day didnt it ?”