Full Breakdown
Activists Convicted of Theft for Removing King’s Lambs from Sandringham Estate
By Drooid · · How we work
Verdict and Core Facts
Three members of the animal-rights group Animal Rising—Rosa Sharkey, Sarah Foy and Rose Patterson—were found guilty of theft after a jury at Norwich Crown Court concluded they had taken three lambs from Appleton Farm on the King’s Sandringham Estate. The defendants asserted the lambs (named Sammy, Sunny and Sooty) were rescued, but the court determined the act met the legal definition of theft.
The removal occurred in the evening of May 24, 2023 (some reports place it on May 23, 2023). The women entered the field, placed the lambs in a van and drove them to an undisclosed sanctuary. The following morning they travelled to Windsor, attempted to alert authorities, and handed themselves in at a police station in Slough, Berkshire.
A jury of five men and seven women deliberated for three hours and 48 minutes before delivering a unanimous guilty verdict. Sentencing is slated for later on Thursday.
Background and Legal Context
The prosecution argued that the lambs were the property of King Charles III, with an estimated value of £400-£500. Under English theft law, the Crown must prove appropriation of another’s property, intent to permanently deprive, and dishonesty.
Animal Rising framed the operation as an “open rescue” to highlight animal-welfare concerns. Their defence claimed the King, who describes himself as an “environmentalist and animal lover,” would have consented, arguing the act was not dishonest.
Data & Statistics
- Three lambs taken; named Sammy, Sunny, Sooty.
- Estimated market value: £400-£500.
- Jury composition: 5 men, 7 women.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Anthony Bate indicated a likely community order with unpaid work and directed the defendants to a probation-service worker.
Prosecutor Dingle Clark maintained that the defendants had no lawful reason to take the lambs and that belief in the King’s consent did not negate the dishonest element required for theft.
Head stockman Gordon Robinson testified that the lambs were “forest-fed” and intended for commercial sale, confirming the loss value of £400-£500.
Criticism & Opposition
Sheep farmer Gareth Wyn Jones described the activists as “absolutely bonkers” and criticised the handling of the animals by “amateur strangers.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “It wasn’t a stunt, we rescued them so they wouldn’t be sent to slaughter.” — Rose Patterson, Animal Rising director
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Date of theft: BBC reports May 23, 2023; most outlets cite May 24, 2023.
- Value of lambs: Estimates range from £400-£500 to a specific figure of £415.
- Trial duration: Sources differ, describing the trial as lasting three days or “about four days.”
- Lambs’ whereabouts: The sanctuary has not been disclosed, and the animals have not been recovered by authorities.
What’s Next
Sentencing is expected later on Thursday, with the judge likely to impose a community order and unpaid work, as indicated during the verdict hearing. No further court dates have been announced.