Press Releases & Updates 2002

Sylvia Boyes, 57, from Keighley in Yorkshire and Olivia Agate, 64, from Skipton, were apprehended by MOD police on 28th March this year as they reached the perimeter fence of the base. They aimed to disable the satellite communications radar and were carrying bolt-cutters, hammers and paint mixed with iron filings.

Justice Taylor ruled that the defence would not be allowed to call two expert witnesses, Professor Paul Rogers of Bradford University and Dave Webb, who has specialist knowledge of the communications station. The Crown also argued that the defendants should not be permitted to include in their testimony questions of international law or information about the part Fylingdales plays in the Trident system.

This was strongly resisted by Solicitor Advocate Nick Carter, on behalf of Olivia, and by Sylvia, representing herself. Sylvia told the judge that if he accepted the Crown argument she might as well come into the witness box with a gag on her mouth. She could not be telling the whole truth if she had to leave out facts that were essential to the reason and motivation for her actions. The jury should be allowed to make up its own mind on the basis of all the relevant facts. Justice Taylor accepted that the defendants had a right to give evidence as to their state of mind. If he felt as the trial proceeded that there should be restriction on particular testimony he would deal with that at the time.

The trial is likely to continue until Thursday.

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