A balaclava-clad protester disrupted two fox hunting parties by following and intimidating them.

Kevin Newell and a group of fox hunt saboteurs donned camouflage trousers and jackets as well as balaclavas to follow the groups, who were legally hunting in north east Fife.

Newell, 33, of Aberdeen, had denied behaving in a threatening and abusive manner but was found guilty of the offence on two occasions, at Dundee Sheriff Court.

The trial heard on November 14 and November 21 Newell and other saboteurs had intercepted vehicles heading to hunts in north east Fife.

On both occasions they were dressed in what hunt supporters described as "paramilitary" clothing with their faces covered by snoods and balaclavas.

They followed hunt vehicles, "intimidating" hunt supporters in the process.

Sheriff George Way told Newell that the timing of his actions, the day after the terrorist attack on the Bataclan theatre in Paris, could have caused fear from the public.

He said: "This was a time of heightened sensitivities given the Bataclan attacks.

"People would have seen him and wouldn't have known what was going on.

"There was a certain background involved with two groups of people with directly opposing views."

He received a 90-hour community payback order on Thursday.

After the sentence, detective inspector Colin Robson said: "We understand that fox hunting is an emotive issue that can be very divisive, however this is no excuse for any offence being committed.

"We police hunts in Fife to ensure the safety of everyone participating in or observing the events, and to ensure they take place legally.

"This applies equally to those who oppose hunting and those in the pack taking part.

"There is a right to peacefully and lawfully protest in a public place and a procedure for legally hunting with dogs.

"In this case, Newell's behaviour was unacceptable and it should send a clear message to anyone intending to disrupt a hunt in this way that we will take action."