6th June 2007

Local Green gives evidence in peace trial

Josh Richards' re-trial in connection with his attempt to stop US bombers leaving RAF Fairford to attack Iraq in March 2003 finished today at Bristol Crown Court. The jury were unable to come to a decision after 9 hours deliberation. The prosecution said if there's no decision they are not going to bring it back to court a third time - so the judge entered a verdict of not guilty! This comes on the heels of the recent re-trial of Phil Pritchard & Toby Olditch who were acquitted of causing criminal damage at RAF Fairford at the same time. The third and final re-trial, of Margaret Jones & Paul Milling starts on 2nd July.

Green party Stroud Town councillor, Dave Cockcroft gave evidence for the defence last thursday regarding the perimeter security at the base that included seeing cluster bombs being loaded onto planes.

Dave Cockcroft said: "I'm really pleased for Josh. He's a very conciencious young man and the trial was stacked against him. There were lots of new rules about what eveidence was allowed which really limited which defence witnesses could give evidence. It's fantastic that the jury upheld the right to protest once again and it's good to see the legal system providing a balance to the governments attempts to stamp out protest."

Dave Cockcroft commenting on the cluster bombs said: "I can remember feeling sick when I saw that cluster bombs were being used. These weapons are commonly referred to as 'drop today and kill tomorrow'. As reported in Lebanon, the use of cluster bombs leaves unexploded bomblets scattered around waiting to tear apart anyone who encounters them. They really should be banned, just like land mines."