Two hunt employees have appeared in court to deny charges under the Hunting Act.

Fernie huntsman Derek Hopkins and Kevin Allen, a terrier man, are facing charges under the Hunting Act 2004 and the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.

They appeared in court yesterday and pleaded not guilty.

Both Hopkins (45) and Allen (50) deny hunting a wild mammal with a dog contrary to the law.

They also deny interfering with a badger sett, or being reckless that their actions would damage it.

The alleged offences were said to have taken place on Wednesday, January 27, at Thorpe Langton, near Market Harborough.

Diana Cottrell prosecuting told the court the prosecution case included eight hours of footage taken by monitors working for the League Against Cruel Sports.

Stephen Welford, defending, told the court he had not received the full prosecution files which included seven DVDs. He asked for an adjournment to study the prosecution evidence.

He said the defence was likely to be funded by an insurance policy taken out by hunts nationwide.

Harborough magistrates agreed to adjourn the case until September 9 so a trial date could be fixed.

Hopkins, of Welham Road, Great Bowden, Market Harborough, and Allen, of Nether Green, Great Bowden, Market Harborough, were granted bail.