TWO men accused of illegally hunting a deer with hounds have appeared on trial in Taunton.

Richard Down, 54, of West Bagborough, near Taunton, and Martin Watts, 55, of Washford, appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court on November 12 accused of hunting a red deer, with dogs, on January 20 on the Quantock Hills, Bridgwater, with no class exemptions under the Hunting Act 2004.

The two men, who are both members of the Quantock Staghounds, made their first appearance in court in August at Taunton Deane Magistrates Court and pleaded not guilty to the offences.

The high-profile case is based on evidence which was given to Avon & Somerset Police by investigators employed by the League Against Cruel Sports.

In an opening statement prosecuting Alistair Haggerty said footage obtained by two conservation and investigation officers from The League Against Cruel Sports shows Down and Watts and some of their supporters on horses following a deer and a hind with hounds in an area of the Quantock Hills.

Mr Haggerty said the group were shouting and revving their engines as they arrived in the area and footage shows Down, Watts and their supporters following the hounds, who were barking excitedly, as they ran along the deer's trail.

The court heard the footage was handed over to Avon and Somerset Police and both defendants provided statements in which they stated they were laying trails in the Quantocks with the hounds rather than hunting with them as they knew this was illegal.

Mr Haggerty said when Down and Watts were asked for further information about when the trails were laid but they did not answer any questions.

He said: "The defendants were clearly on the Quantocks that day to hunt.

"The prosecution say the trail was a cover for hunting there."

The defence are due to deliver their opening statement on Tuesday (November 13).