Press Releases & Updates 2000

Having begun the case by delivering a new witness statement claiming a fourfold rise in the value of the damage, for two and a half days the prosecution procrastinated and avoided bringing clear evidence to substantiate their new witness statement. Estimates of the value have ranged from zero to almost one million pounds.

Having been instructed on Thursday afternoon by the Judge to produce the necessary evidence, the trial was halted when it became apparent that the lack of substance and vagueness of prosecution evidence demanded independent assessment. As this would mean a substantial delay, a new jury was deemed necessary.

Vera Baird, Barrister for the defence said

"The sequence of misleading estimates as to the value of the damage leads us to suspect that we cannot rely on a word that is said by Marconi or the Crown."

A spokeswoman from Aldermaston Women Trash Trident said

"With 11 months to prepare for this case, we are surprised that the prosecution presented the court with such dramatic last minute revisions to its evidence. Given the nature and gravity of the legal issues being discussed in this case, we would expect a more professional and serious approach. We stand by our disarmament action but we will challenge unsubstantiated claims made by the prosecution."

A hearing will take place this afternoon at Preston with Judge Opinshaw to determine where and when the retrial will take place.

To offer financial or other support contact awtt@hotmail.com or phone 07808 553778.

Printer friendly version

Home | Top