Man who ran on the racetrack during Epsom Derby sentenced

A man who ran onto the track at the Epsom Derby during a live race has pleaded guilty to causing a public nuisance at the event.

Ben Newman, 32, of Homerton High Street in Hackney, pleaded guilty when he appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court today (6 July) and was sentenced to 18 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and to pay total costs and surcharges of £1356. 

Newman was initially arrested, charged and remanded into custody after running onto the racetrack on Derby Day (3 June), whilst the race was being run. At court today, Newman’s defence team claimed that he believed he ran on before the race had started. However, footage shown in court saw him run out onto the track as the gates opened for the horses to start the race and he later conceded that his actions had caused a public nuisance.

In summing up, Judge (Recorder) Mark Ockelton said that despite Newman’s claim, there had been “a clear danger to the police and security staff”, and that it was “only due to their skill and competence that they did not face more danger and that the race was able to continue without disruption”.

Chief Superintendent Clive Davies said: “Newman’s actions during the Derby race put his, other people’s, and animals’ lives in real danger. It is only due to the quick action of officers and event security that he was removed quickly, and everyone was kept safe.”

A total of 39 arrests were made over the course of the two days of the Epsom Derby Festival. Thirty-one of these arrests were made in connection with planned criminal activity at the Derby Festival, including two women who were quickly detained moments before they were able to get onto the track. Thirty have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.