Press Releases & Updates 2002

Olivia Agate (from Skipton) was represented by Barrister Matthew Walsh. Debbie Mace and Christopher Gwyntofer (both from London) represented themselves.

Despite not being allowed to give evidence as to the horrendous effects of Trident nuclear bombs, which are classed as weapons of mass destruction, a strong case was made of the ongoing, ever-present hazards to health and property which are caused by the work at the Atomic Weapons Establishment.

Dr. Chris Busby of the Low Level Radiation Campaign presented expert evidence. His research had shown that there were high incidences of childhood leukemia around Aldermaston and concentrations of plutonium in the soil. Other factors were the atmospheric nuclear tests in the 1960’s and the radiation from the Chernobyl explosion in 1986.

His evidence affected the magistrates who asked Dr. Busby pointed questions. Evidence was also given about the growing doubts within the scientific community over the validity of current risk assessment methods; in particular the risk is being underestimated. This has caused the government to set up a committee to look at the risks of radiation and to assess whether the current methods are valid. [CERRIE Committee - "The Consultative Exercise on Radiation Risk from Internal Emitters"]

The magistrates listened, the crown prosecution tried to belittle Dr. Busby’s professionalism but at the end a verdict of guilty was given to the charge of criminal damage. However, a sentence of 18 months conditional discharge was made with the defendants each ordered to pay £270 compensation and costs.

Judith Pritchard has fines transferred from Newbury to her local court in Malvern for an Aldermaston fence snip in May. On Tuesday Judith told the Malvern magistrates she would not pay so they decided to engage the bailiffs. Judith is back in Newbury today for an obstruction charge from the May camp.

Yesterday Barbara McGregor was in Helenburgh District Court for a means hearing - she had refused to pay a fine for an anti-Trident action. Police came to her door with a warrant and she handed herself in on Wednesday night. She was held in police custody overnight and appeared before JP Viv Dance yesterday.

Rather than jail her JP Viv Dance decided to find out whether Babs’ local Social Work services can provide a Supervised Attendance Order. Two dates were suggested for Babs’ return to court. The first one was not on because Babs in in Edinburgh Sheriff Court that day for an intermediate for the parliament action and Babs suggested the second one (February 13th) was not on because she was due to give birth about then.

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