The arrest of Heather Tait (Letters, October 1) was an outrage.

After passing the rotting corpse at the Old Steine, my wife and I inadvertently wandered into the pro-hunt crowd and, as avid opponents of hunting, we decided to join the impromptu protest against this vile bloodsport.

As we mingled with the pro-hunt crowd, I saw Heather crumpling up a hunt placard. She was immediately surrounded by pro-hunters who were venting their fury on her.

From what I saw, she was not violent, she was not threatening and she was not abusive.

She was immediately carted off by the police who were obviously hyped up and nervous after the recent public disorder shown by the Countryside Alliance at Parliament Square.

The police have been heavy-handed in pressing charges against Heather.

I urge her not to take the advice of the "kindly duty sergeant", risk the £80 fine being doubled and fight this case in court.

I will gladly testify to what I saw and appeal to anyone else who witnessed this incident to come forward and testify if necessary.

-Pete Gillman, Hythe Road, Brighton