Appeal on 11 September, York Crown Court
For a few measly snips to the security fence at Forest Moor Trident Naval communications base (across the road from Menwith), Anne and Helen were ordered to pay £555 EACH! on March 2. The magistrates had to listen to the women's confessions that, when they were caught with the blades of the boltcroppers 'round the padlock on the door of the High Voltage Transformer Room, it was their intention to gain access and cut off the electricity supply, in order to interfere with Trident submarine communications. George Farebrother, from the World Court Project, testified to the illegality of the possession of nuclear weapons: World Court ruling, 8 July '96. Helen and Anne have put in an appeal against their convictions to be heard 11 September, York Crown Court.

PAST TRIALS

Jan 14, 1998 : Laura defends herself on a plea of "not guilty" to criminal damage to 2 byelaws notice boards. She explains to the magistrates why she is not guilty of a criminal offence although she deliberately damaged the signs. Laura is given a conditional discharge. No fine, no costs, no compensation.

Feb. 18th : Helen ordered to pay £234 fine, costs and compensation for damage to two byelaws notice boards and Anne £208, for damage to one.

March 4th : Hearing to obtain an injunction on behalf of the Ministry of Defence to exclude Rachel from Menwith Hill. After the judge reads Judge Crabtree's summing-up in the bylelaws trial, he decides that Rachel has got a defence! She is given time to prepare. No trial date as yet.

IN PRISON

Jan 13, 1998 : Viv is given one week for non-payment of fines resulting from slogan-painting the US Embassy in London with "STOP CASSINI NO PLUTONIUM IN SPACE".

NOT IN PRISON YET!

April 15, 1998 : Helen turns up for court expecting to get sent down for non-payment of fime for painting "SHUT MENWITH HILL. NO STAR WARS" on the US Embassy in London. Discovers they've forgotten to list the hearing, so she doesn't stop to argue.