Press Releases & Updates 2003

The court closed today after the crown had completed their evidence. Dave and Gillian have submitted a plea of ’no case to answer’. The crown has failed to provide any clear evidence that Gillian spray painted the submarine. Despite the fact that she was seen doing this, the crown failed to call these witnesses to give evidence.

A series of four photographs were shown in court with the word VILE clearly written in huge letters on the side of HMS ’Vigilant’. However, there was disagreement and vagueness among witnesses as to which side of the submarine the photos showed, or if it was one or both sides of the vessel. There was much confusion over port and starboard, stern and aft (especially from the PF) causing confusion in the court, and irritation from the sheriff.

The case continues on May 19 when the sheriff will announce whether or not there is a case to answer. If not, the case will be thrown out. If so, then Dave and Gillian will be able to present their arguments in defence of their actions.

So far, Dave has been allowed to refer to the ICJ (International Law at the International Court of Justice) and the LAR (Lord Advocates Reference in Edinburgh’s High Court). He has also referred to Smith v Donnelly in defence of his charge of breach of the peace at the die-in (two days before the ‘vile’ action). Sheriff Pettigrew has now been provided with the address of the TP website and intends to visit it! Sheriff Pettigrew presents as a very meticulous man who is fair and apparently non-judgemental.

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