Press Releases & Updates 2001

Andrew Gray (33), a librarian from Newcastle and a Green Party candidate in June’s general election, said that the Crown had produced no evidence that his action had caused disruption. In the TV clip, shot as part of a newscast on the day, Superintendent Harry Bunch of Strathclyde Police makes the claim that the base was able to continue its work as normal.

Andrew pointed out that the terrorist attack on the US showed that we must consider what the end and outcome is of political ideas and plans for mass murder, like Trident. He told JP Fraser Gillies that while the police were under instruction to keep the base running he, as a Justice of the Peace, had a choice. His job was not to keep the base running but to keep humanity running. Andrew was fined £250 -JP Gillies’ standard tariff for such charges. Andrew is considering an appeal.

Teacher Charlie McInally (52), from Glasgow, was given the same treatment for an alleged Big Blockade breach of the peace. Chris Brock (23), a volunteer at the Cyrenian hostel for the homeless near Edinburgh, fared rather better. His fine of £150 took into account the fact that he had no income.

Michael Pettersson (20), had traveled from his home in Sweden to face trial today, also on a Big Blockade charge of breach of the peace. He informed JP Gillies that a Sheriff in Dumbarton had simply admonished an activist on this charge. He was also fined £150.

David Mackenzie said: "In sentencing Chris and Michael JP Gillies has for the first time in our experience taken account of people’s means. We are grateful for this small mercy but look forward to the day when he pays real attention to the substance of the defence case. Unlike other local magistrates he does not retire to consider the verdict, nor does he appear to take the Clerk’s advice - an essential step for a lay justice dealing with cases that are often legally complex."

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