Clown arrested during circus demo - 20/7/06

A circus clown has been given an on-the-spot fine after clashing with animal rights demonstrators.

Sparky the clown was arrested on suspicion of assault and fined £80 for disorder after an incident at Peter Jolly's circus, currently in Howden.

The clown - real name Stanley Thompson, from Cumbria - clashed with protesters from the Captive Animals' Protection Society (Caps) on Wednesday.

Humberside Police confirmed a 29-year-old man had been arrested.

A spokesman for Jolly's said Sparky had been arrested after an incident involving about eight demonstrators at the gates of the site.

Caps said the protest against the use of performing animals in circuses had been peaceful.

Jolly's show is known for featuring Ming, Britain's only circus bear.

Story from BBC NEWS:
 http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/england/humber/5198626.stm


Published: 2006/07/20 14:04:34 GMT