Leeds Crown Court

 

Friday 11 November 2005

 

This case had been moved from York to Leeds Crown Court because there is inadequate disabled access to York Crown Court,  The appeal, brought by Anni Rainbow against conviction and sentence (s.69 'aggravated trespass' - Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994) was due to be heard today.

 

The case had been listed for one day and special attention and notice had been  given  to the court (by the Defence and Prosecution) for CCTV video equipment to be in court.  In a tedious and frustrating morning, we waited for nearly two and a half hours while two cases were heard before Anni's case and a TV monitor was supplied. 

 

At the end of the morning when it became clear that there was insufficient time for the case to be heard, James Stewart (Judge hearing the appeal with two Magistrates) adjourned Anni's appeal until the New Year - 3 February 2006.  He clearly showed his displeasure at having to do this and apologised to Anni in particular by saying several times that he was 'extremely sorry' for the inconvenience caused by the 'mess'.  He said that this mess did not give a good impression to the general public.  There was no time for this case to be heard today as the hearing would either have been too rushed or part heard.  He was keen that there was plenty of time so that justice could be done.

 

Anni was arrested at the regular Tuesday CAAB demonstration at NSA Menwith Hill on 30 November 2004.  The case revolves round the issue of a 'yellow line' painted on the road to the main entrance to the base.