CAAB has regularly monitored and protested persistently at this base (and other US bases) for many years. Lindis Percy arrived at the new Nessfield gate with the upside down US flag with "EMPIRES COME….AND GO" written on it. She was careful not to be in breach of bail conditions but within a very short time she was suddenly and surprisingly arrested by PC Porter (Ministry of Defence Police Agency). She was told that she was in breach of the bail conditions. At the time of arrest she was having a converstation with another MDPA officer who did not seem to have a problem about any breach.

Lindis was detained overnight at Harrogate Police Station and appeared in court the next day. She denied that she had breached the conditions. A cctv video recording was played in court. Unusually the video was shown abnormally speeded up and it was very difficult to decide if any breach had occurred because of this. As she had been quickly arrested the video was very short - hastened by the speed. Lindis gave evidence. The Magistrates returned to say that Lindis had stepped on to the gate line and was therefore in breach of the bail conditions - this was despite very dubious evidence and conflicting evidence by the arresting officer in his statement.

Caroline May (Crown Prosecutor) tried to get bail conditions on the 'object' Lindis was carrying (the US flag!) but this was not agreed. The same bail conditions were imposed.

Not to go within I metre of the perimeter fence or yellow line on the ground in front of the main gate or any gate at Menwith Hill.

Altogether Lindis was held was over eighteen hours.

Lindis Percy and Laila Packer

Coordinators

CAMPAIGN FOR THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF AMERICAN BASES - CAAB