Press Releases & Updates 2000
2nd February 2000
Sheriff Questions Legal Aid Ruling And Frees Peace Activist
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In Dumbarton Sheriff Court today the presiding Sheriff released a peace activist on standard bail conditions after questioning the decision of the Legal Aid Board to turn down his application for legal aid.
Trident Ploughshares pledger Ian Thomson, a long term peace and environmental campaigner, was remanded to Greenock Prison on 21st January after appearing on two charges of malicious mischief relating to actions at RNAD Coulport, Britain’s Trident nuclear warhead store. He appeared today at an Intermediate Hearing before his trial, which had been scheduled for 14th February.
The Sheriff took the view that Ian Thomson’s case might merit legal aid and adjourned his case until the 6th June to allow for that issue to be resolved. He granted standard bail conditions.
A Trident Ploughshares spokesperson said:
"We are glad that the Sheriff has acted in the interests of justice and freed Ian. It is a pity that he did not take a further step in the right direction and throw the case out on the basis that the crime prevention to which Ian is committed deserves support not prosecution. The reasons for the Legal Aid Board’s negative decision will be further investigated.
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