Jodie Marsh wins lemur appeal in "exceptional circumstances"
Uttlesford District council had said she couldn't keep the primates at her Essex sanctuary
Last updated 3rd Jun 2025
Former model Jodie Marsh can keep lemurs at her Essex animal sanctuary, a judge has ruled.
That's despite Marsh giving away the 8 ring-tailed lemurs to another home, meaning she does not actually require the license.
Media personality Ms Marsh appealed against the local council's decision to refuse her application for a wild animal licence to keep the primates at her private 3.5-acre sanctuary, Fripps Farm, in Lindsell, nine miles north west of Braintree.
In a ruling on Tuesday (3rd June), District Judge Christopher Williams said, "On the basis of the evidence available I am persuaded that the noise made by the lemurs is not a nuisance.
"Marsh may not be popular within the community but she genuinely cares about these animals.
After Marsh's application to Uttlesford District Council, the authority received 19 statements that opposed the license.
"She's an individual that tries to offer the best care possible.
"In spite of false reports, I am satisfied there is no evidence that she’s mishandled any animals or caused animals any harm.
Marsh admitted in previous hearing that she had given cannabis oil (CBD) to one of her llama's for "treatment" and had been "advised by the vet".
She maintained she did not know she needed a prescription to do so.
"I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the decision by Uttlesford District Council was wrong and continues to be wrong.
"I allow the appeal."
Ms Marsh, who wore a black blazer, black top and leggings, sat behind her lawyer at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court and began to cry as the judgment in her favour was read out.
She thanked her lawyer and the judge and embraced her sister sitting next to her.
Uttlesford District Council rejected Ms Marsh's application last year after complaints but the 46-year-old former model told an earlier hearing that online trolls are behind much of the criticism of her animal sanctuary.
At a previous hearing, clips of screeching lemurs at a zoo were played to the court.
In the final judgement hearing, the court heard the source of the videos was "unclear" and one can not be sure how close to the lemurs they stood.
Judge Williams told the court the source of the videos was "unclear" and conclusions about Miss Marsh's care ability were "drawn from images and montages, not visiting Fritts Farm".
£19,641 is to be paid by Uttlesford District Council to Mis Marsh as a civil sum.