A hunt saboteur who landed up in court after trying to stop a hunt in Steeple Ashton has vowed to do the same again if it means saving an animal's life.

Aubrey Burge was arrested after chasing after a beagle pack armed with a homemade whip, a spray and a hunting horn while the Warminster and Infantry Beagles Hunt was hunting hares last December.

Burge, who lives in Pewsey, was given a conditional discharge after pleading guilty to aggravated trespass when he appeared before magistrates in Chippenham last week.

After the hearing Burge vowed to do the same again.

He said: "How can it be a crime to try and save a life? I would do exactly the same again."

Ian Halliday, prosecuting, said the hunt was followed by a group of around 12 protesters who tried to distract the dogs.

A police officer covering the hunt feared there would be trouble and called for back up.

Three extra officers arrived and approached three saboteurs who were trying to reach the dogs. The three backed off without trouble, but the protestors later split in to two groups.

Mr Halliday said: "At this point Mr Burge broke cover and ran towards the pack of beagles and was within 10 metres of them. He was seen to have what appeared to be a homemade whip in one hand, and in the other hand a spray can."

He was intercepted by police before reaching the dogs.

The 49-year-old was arrested but refused to speak at the police station, saying only that he did not think he had done anything wrong that day.

A statement, written by Burge, was read out to the court by his solicitor David Martin in which he said he felt his actions had been justified.

Burge said he looked forward to the day when hunters were prosecuted rather than the protestors campaigning for animals' rights.

Burge was given a 24-month conditional discharge.