News just through from Reading Magistrates' Court that four people who took part in the Aldermaston Big Blockade on 27 October 2008 have been found not guilty of obstructing the highway by virtue of the prosecution failing to prove that they were in fact on a highway.
District Judge Peter Crabtree did, however, not accept the defence's assertion that the Atomic Weapons Establishment is engaged in unlawful activity.
The successful defendants, who have each been awarded costs, are Jean Oliver from Lanarkshire in Scotland, David Polden and Emma Sangster, both from London, and Renate Zauner from Switzerland.
The trial took place on 21-22 October, 2009, but the defendants had to return to court this afternoon to hear the judgment.
A fifth defendant, Barbara Dowling, from Glasgow, pleaded guilty on 21 October and was given an 18-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £85 in costs.
For further information and quotes, see earlier press releases:
http://www.tridentploughshares.org/article1579
http://www.tridentploughshares.org/article1578
See also:
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/11/441564.html
Aldermaston blockade blog:
http://blockawe.blogspot.com
The successful defendants, who have each been awarded costs, are Jean Oliver from Lanarkshire in Scotland, David Polden and Emma Sangster, both from London, and Renate Zauner from Switzerland.
The trial took place on 21-22 October, 2009, but the defendants had to return to court this afternoon to hear the judgment.
A fifth defendant, Barbara Dowling, from Glasgow, pleaded guilty on 21 October and was given an 18-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £85 in costs.
For further information and quotes, see earlier press releases:
http://www.tridentploughshares.org/article1579 http://www.tridentploughshares.org/article1578 See also:
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/11/441564.html Aldermaston blockade blog:
http://blockawe.blogspot.com 
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Well done!
12.11.2009 18:27
Gregory Beetle
The judge is a Royal Navy Captain!
13.11.2009 13:21
Whether that makes him pro- or anti-Trident is anyone's guess!
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