Date: 30 June 2008
Animal rights extremist found guilty of burglary
An animal rights extremist has been sentenced to 24 months in prison after being found guilty of burglary at Canterbury Crown Court today.
Sarah Whitehead of Thornecroft Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex, was sentenced after being found guilty of burglary under the Theft Act 1968.
Ms Whitehead, aged 51, forced her way into an address in Deal, Kent, on March 30 last year and stole a Beagle dog from the kitchen. Two other defendants in the same trial, Helen Luff and Michael Greatorex, were found not guilty and discharged from court.
The burglary came to light as a result of Operation Achilles, a nationwide police investigation targeting criminal activity associated with animal rights extremism. The arrest phase of Achilles took place in May 2007.
When passing sentence, her honour Judge Williams, said: "You have been convicted on the clearest, compelling evidence and have set yourself up above the law.
"The burglary was organised and planned and you demonstrated an arrogant belief that you knew better than the law and you said as much in evidence."
Following sentence, Detective Inspector Patricia Geary of Kent police, said: "We are pleased with the outcome of today's verdict and sentencing.
"This was a crime that went beyond the violation of a family home. No matter what an individual's beliefs may be, they should not and cannot take the law into their own hands.
"Make no mistake, this individual knew exactly the lawful extent to which she could take action and went far beyond that which is either reasonable or acceptable."
Operation Achilles continues to demonstrate the determination of UK police forces to defeat animal rights extremism.
The sentence is another sign of the improved police response to animal rights extremism which, along with measures taken by the government and changes within the Criminal Justice System, is now making a significant difference to the lives of people who are affected by the criminal actions of these people, which goes way beyond lawful protest.
Kent Police can be contacted on 01622 653933 and Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if any help or information details can be provided about the missing dog.
