Three animal rights activists have each been convicted of stealing lambs from Sandringham Estate and ordered to complete unpaid work.
Three animal rights activists have been found guilty of stealing three lambs from the King’s Sandringham Estate.
Rosa Sharkey and Sarah Foy, both 26, and Rose Patterson, 37, were convicted following a trial at Norwich Crown Court.
The women, members of campaign group Animal Rising, took the animals from Appleton Farm on the estate in May 2023.
They did not dispute removing the lambs but argued that they had not acted dishonestly because they believed the animals were being rescued.
In statements given to police, the women said they believed King Charles would have consented to the lambs being taken because of his interest in environmental and animal-welfare issues.
Prosecutors argued there was no lawful justification for removing animals belonging to somebody else.
The jury deliberated for three hours and 48 minutes before returning unanimous guilty verdicts.
All three women were given 12-month community orders.
Each must complete 150 hours of unpaid work and contribute £250 towards prosecution costs.
The lambs, which the campaigners named Sammy, Sunny and Sooty, were taken to an animal sanctuary following the incident.
Animal Rising said after the verdict that the animals remain at the sanctuary.
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