A RINGWOOD animal rights activist has admitted his role in a series of criminal damage attacks against Barclays Bank in 2008. He will be sentenced, along with two others next week.

Following last minute legal arguments ahead of a trial at Winchester Crown Court, Thomas Harris, 27, of Somerville Road, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to cause criminal damage.

Two others, Christopher Potter, 20 and Maria Neal, 21, both of Seggs Lane, Alcester, Warwickshire pleaded guilty to the same charge in December 2010. All three will be sentenced in Winchester on 13th January.

Four Barclays Bank premises across Hampshire were attacked between September and October 2008. As well as using paint and graffiti, locks and ATM card slots were blocked with sealants.

Two vehicles were also attacked – one a case of mistaken identity and the other, a Fed Ex van parked near Wickham Laboratories. Damage to the vehicles included tyres being slashed, corrosive substances poured on paintwork and exhausts blocked with expanding foam.

DCI Andy Robbins, who led the investigation and now heads the National Domestic Extremism Team, said: "These were carefully planned criminal offences carried out during the cover of darkness against organisations carrying out perfectly lawful business.

"The vast majority of animal rights campaigners conduct their campaigns peacefully – and the police service will always strive to facilitate this. However, as we have seen today, where an individual uses crime to further their cause, we will investigate and are committed to bringing offenders to justice."