London (AP) – A former meerkat expert at London Zoo was cleared Tuesday of assaulting a monkey handler in a love spat over a llama-keeper. Two High Court judges said Tuesday that Caroline Westlake had not “recklessly” injured Kate Sanders. In October a lower court found Westlake, 30, guilty of assaulting Sanders, who suffered a cut cheek from a wineglass after the two women argued at a zoo Christmas party in 2014. Both had dated colleague Adam Davies. Westlake had said she did not remember hitting her colleague with the glass. Westminster Magistrates’ Court found she had struck Sanders “recklessly but not intentionally.” The High Court said Tuesday that magistrates had applied the wrong legal test for recklessness and quashed the conviction. Westlake was fired by the zoo after the incident. Her lawyer, Suzanne Kelly, said Tuesday that “Ms. Westlake’s life has been destroyed by something that was no more than an unfortunate accident.” “Justice has now been served and Ms. Westlake would now appreciate the opportunity to put this matter behind her and rebuild her life,” Kelly said.
Latest Stories
2nd Trump-Kim summit crucial moment for Moon’s presidency
Seoul (AP) — South Korean President Moon Jae-in has staked his legacy on the stunning diplomatic progress he has forged with North Korea, as...
Private sector donates pollution masks to traffic police
Bangkok - The private sector has donated as many as 15,000 pollution masks to traffic police to protect their health while on duty. Deputy Commissioner...
Military hands over school building in Tak
Tak - The 3rd Army Area of the Royal Thai Army, along with American and Singaporean soldiers, have handed over a newly-constructed building to...
France to adopt international definition of anti-Semitism
Paris (AP) — The French government will adopt an international organization's definition of anti-Semitism and propose a law to reduce hate speech from being...
Hungarian model for water management adopted for Mekong River
Bangkok - Thailand and Hungary have established a cooperation to adopt the Danube River’s water management strategy for the Mekong River. Deputy Prime Minister Chatchai...