Shropshire Star

Man denies raids on Otis Ferry's Shropshire home

A man has appeared in court charged with taking a haul of valuables from the homes of pro-hunt campaigner Otis Ferry, a police officer and his former employer.

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Otis Ferry

Nigel Harris, 36, of Lower Cross in Cross Houses, near Shrewsbury, broke into Mr Ferry's home in two separate raids in April and October last year and stole goods including mobile phones, a computer and a rifle case.

He also stole goods from the homes of Detective Sergeant Christopher Hughes and his former employer Gerald Martin.

Harris appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday charged with two counts of burglary, two counts of theft and once count of intending to pervert the course of justice. He denies all the charges.

The two burglaries occurred at the Shropshire home of pro-hunting protester Otis Ferry, the court heard.

The first took place between April 10 and April 15 last year, when a back window was smashed to gain entry. A Macbook Pro computer and case were stolen.

A second burglary occurred at Mr Ferry's home between October 21 and November 1 last year when a side window was broken.

An iPad, Blackberry mobile phone, 30 concert and festival passes, a hunting jacket, rifle case, Motorola mobile phone, Samsung mobile phone and paperwork were stolen.

The defendant is also charged with stealing bank documents and Christmas cards from a recycling bin belonging to DS Hughes between January 1 2010 and November 1 last year.

The officer had previously investigated Harris in 2010 in relation to another burglary in which he was a potential suspect, the court was told.

Harris is also accused of stealing a driving licence, passport, national insurance card and bank documents belonging to Gerald Martin between January 1 2010 and December 14 last year.

Mr Martin employed Harris in 2010 but dismissed him after four months for failing to hit targets, the court heard.

The trial was adjourned until tomorrow.

Mr Ferry is the joint master of the South Shropshire Hunt and is a fox hunting enthusiast and pro-hunting protester.

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