http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/crime/article1090871.ece

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Pensioner in anti-US protest to be prosecuted
By Ian Herbert and Nigel Morris
Published: 20 June 2006
The Government faces a test of its new anti-terror legislation after deciding to proceed with charges against a pensioner arrested while protesting at an American communications base.

Seven weeks after becoming one of the first individuals arrested under a little-noticed clause in the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act, Helen John, 68, of Keighley, west Yorkshire, was charged yesterday with criminal trespass and bailed to appear next week before magistrates in Harrogate, north Yorkshire.

Mrs John and a fellow peace campaigner, Sylvia Boyes, 62, were arrested on 2 April while crossing the sentry line at Menwith Hill, the US communications base in the Yorkshire Dales.

Mrs John, who could be jailed for up to 12 months if the case goes to court, said: "I want this case to be heard in a court of law, but that is probably the last place the Government wants it go."

Mrs Boyes, who was unable to attend a police station yesterday, expects to be charged next week.

The Government faces a test of its new anti-terror legislation after deciding to proceed with charges against a pensioner arrested while protesting at an American communications base.

Seven weeks after becoming one of the first individuals arrested under a little-noticed clause in the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act, Helen John, 68, of Keighley, west Yorkshire, was charged yesterday with criminal trespass and bailed to appear next week before magistrates in Harrogate, north Yorkshire.
Mrs John and a fellow peace campaigner, Sylvia Boyes, 62, were arrested on 2 April while crossing the sentry line at Menwith Hill, the US communications base in the Yorkshire Dales.

Mrs John, who could be jailed for up to 12 months if the case goes to court, said: "I want this case to be heard in a court of law, but that is probably the last place the Government wants it go."

Mrs Boyes, who was unable to attend a police station yesterday, expects to be charged next week.

No.

These pair have form as seasoned protesters against the presence of the US military in the UK. John in particular was prominent as an activist at Greenham Common during the cold war period. She was wrong then and is wrong now. If she deliberately trespasses on sensitive military installations, it is no wonder she gets herself arrested (but this of course is precisely what she wants - i.e. free publicity).

No.

These pair have form as seasoned protesters against the presence of the US military in the UK. John in particular was prominent as an activist at Greenham Common during the cold war period. She was wrong then and is wrong now. If she deliberately trespasses on sensitive military installations, it is no wonder she gets herself arrested (but this of course is precisely what she wants - i.e. free publicity).

I agree with LordChav that this is a fair use of the law. I don't actually know the background of these two people but I know that many of the main activists are quakers and they are doing what they think is right. In some cases in the past they have managed to get right inside very sensitive areas, in one case actually I remmember someone destroyed equipment. Given that these are supposed to be very secure areas and that we have a renewed terrorist threat, I think that they may well provide a service rather than a nuisance. Of course, they are still committing an offence and should be punished. I like to know that there are relatively harmless people making a nuisance of themselves for their beliefs, even if I don't share them.

Frankly, the shrill, unpleasant Mrs John and 'friend' are a pair of roaming, demented bloody fools. They would almost certainly disappear in many, less democratic societies. It is not part of my case to suggest that either of these hatchet-faced, obsessive feminist bores should disappear. Yet, if they did, who in all honesty would miss them? Where did I put Prince Philip's mobile number?

A bit over the top to invoke SOCA.

I gather, though, she was carrying bolt cutters and a hammer at the time....not the usual sort of it for people who've 'accidentally' wandered in to a military base.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/5090634.stm

They also refused to answer bail and have tried to get in again. The Independent once again tweaks the story... ;)

Let's face it, in some parts of the world they'd have been shot.

Some years ago I accidentally accidentally drove towards a gate of Elmendorf AFB in Alaska. The large marine with the machine gun and crew cut politely pointed out that were I to continue he would be entitled to use lethal force, gave me very useful directions, called me 'Sir' at least half a dozen times and then hoped I enjoyed my stay in Alaska. I guess the military are the same the world over. :)

zafar,have you ever worked out how much time you spend looking for these kind of posts ? it appears that any thing that may possibly bring the laws of britain or her intelligence forces into disrepute is just your kind of post , dont you like football?or fishing ? must you always we trying to slag britain,s way of doing things ?:confused:

However, we've seen protesters trespassing for decades.
This is not a new phenomenon.

Aren't there 'normal' laws under which they could be charged rather than the 'anti-terrorism' laws ?????

I just think that the anti-terrorism laws are being used carte blanche.
So far they've been used to stop all manner of protests which anyone with an iota of sense can see are not 'terrorist' in nature.

Z

zafar,have you ever worked out how much time you spend looking for these kind of posts ? it appears that any thing that may possibly bring the laws of britain or her intelligence forces into disrepute is just your kind of post , dont you like football?or fishing ? must you always we trying to slag britain,s way of doing things ?:confused:


How is this slagging Britain ??????????????????????????????????????

I love football, and I'm looking forward to LFC winning the premier league next season :hihi:

Z

There have been some outrageous abuses of the anti-terrorism laws since they were introduced. Stopping people protesting in Parliament Square, stopping people protesting outside an East London arms trade conference, arresting someone merely for reading out names at the Cenotaph of dead British servicemen killed in Iraq, manhandling and arresting a man in his 80s for shouting "nonsense" at the Foreign Secretary and arresting people having a tea party in Parliament Square are all grevious violations of our democratic rights, and a worrying slide towards sinister government totalitarianism.

This case isn't a similar abuse though. If you try and enter a military base when you haven't been invited, you're going to be arrested. That's just basic common sense.

Zafar, I've edited your original post to include the article and I'm changing the title too. It makes far more sense now that people don't have to go to an external site before they can respond. :)

zafar,have you ever worked out how much time you spend looking for these kind of posts ? it appears that any thing that may possibly bring the laws of britain or her intelligence forces into disrepute is just your kind of post , dont you like football?or fishing ? must you always we trying to slag britain,s way of doing things ?:confused:

Debating whether laws have gone too far or if they are being abused is about as British as it is possible to be.

How is this slagging Britain ??????????????????????????????????????

I love football, and I'm looking forward to LFC winning the premier league next season :hihi:

Zit just appears that your post usually contain some aspect of britains laws or law enforcement,if you want to bring the government down the best way is to start a legitimate party, i now know you have a sense of humour, lfc, indeed :hihi:

Zafar, I've edited your original post to include the article and I'm changing the title too. It makes far more sense now that people don't have to go to an external site before they can respond. :)


Cheers Tony :thumbsup:

Z

Frankly, the shrill, unpleasant Mrs John and 'friend' are a pair of roaming, demented bloody fools. They would almost certainly disappear in many, less democratic societies. It is not part of my case to suggest that either of these hatchet-faced, obsessive feminist bores should disappear. Yet, if they did, who in all honesty would miss them? Where did I put Prince Philip's mobile number?

You could always use this number and leave a message:
http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page249.asp#3

it just appears that your post usually contain some aspect of britains laws or law enforcement,if you want to bring the government down the best way is to start a legitimate party, i now know you have a sense of humour, lfc, indeed :hihi:


I take a strong interest in the laws I'm being ruled by along with foreign policy. Some people take a strong interest in the cult of celebrities and such like.

lol, when you see StevieG lifting the trophy next season we'll see who has the last laugh :hihi:

p.s. I bet my friend whose a ManU fan that 'pool would finish above them this season gone....he's now chasing me up for his debt :)

Z