Press Releases & Updates 2004

Eric was charged along with Jane Smith (50), from Granton-on-Spey and David Mackenzie (59), from Tillicoultry, with causing a breach of the peace for their two-hour blockade of the main gate of the base which caused long delays for worker traffic waiting to enter. The blockade was part of the Non-Stop Nuke-Stop campaign which has caused frequent, regular and unannounced disruptions to the Clyde Trident bases.

Defending himself Eric said:

"To my mother, speaking up about social justice, about wasting resources and removing fear from people’s lives, was something a responsible citizen would be only too willing to do. To remain silent, however, to say nothing, to keep your head down, was to her the height of irresponsibility. My mother could especially not comprehend why successive governments could continue to spend ever more money on weapons and weapons of mass destruction, whilst world poverty increased. After her death the family debated whether or not to plant a tree or invest in a park bench in her memory. When I heard this protest was due to take place I realised what she would have required of me."

Justice of the Peace Nicholson found all three guilty but deferred sentence for six months. If they are "of good behaviour in the interim" they will be admonished and avoid other punishment. A supporter in court was heard to remark: "Fat chance".

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