Star date: 9th May 2014

ANOTHER THREE ANTI FRACKING CAMPAIGNERS CLEARED AS POLICE ACTED `UNLAWFULLY'

Today at Manchester Magistrates Court another three anti-fracking campaigners from Barton Moss had their cases dismissed as the judge agreed that the police had acted without lawful authority in regard to the charges that were levelled.

Now Barton Moss Camp solicitor, Simon Pook, has called for a Public Inquiry into the cost of bringing charges against campaigners which have, so far, been thrown out by the court.

Full details here…

Today at Manchester Magistrates Court three more protectors – Kate, Bear and Rose – had the cases against them dismissed as the judge agreed that Greater Manchester Police acted without lawful authority in regard to the charges that were levelled.

The protectors were originally charged with `obstruction of a highway' (and other public order offences) but this was later changed to `obstructing a police officer'. The judge agreed with the argument put forward by the legal team from Robert Lizar Solicitors that the police officer didn't have authority to do this, and dismissed the charges.

This follows Wednesday's hearing, when three other protectors were cleared of similar charges (see previous Salford Star article – click here), yesterday's `not guilty' verdict on another protector (see previous Salford Star article – click here) and dismissed cases against two protectors from the first Barton Moss trial (see previous Salford Star article – click here).

Amongst those who had the case against them dismissed today was Kate McCann, freed on bail yesterday after facing six months on remand at Birmingham Prison.

With the cases against those arrested at the Salford anti-fracking protests collapsing by the day, Barton Moss Camp solicitor Simon Pook, of Robert Lizars, is calling for a full Public Inquiry into the cost to the public of bringing such charges.

"We once again welcome the decision of the court to dismiss the charges but the public should question the true cost of these charges being brought and prosecuted" he told the Salford Star this evening "Perhaps the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner, Tony Lloyd, should hold a Public Inquiry into the costs given the number which have been dismissed.

"We've asked for him to look at the methods of policing at Barton Moss" he added "But that should now be extended to cover the cost of bringing these charges and two day trials."

First the United Nations was alerted into alleged brutality by Greater Manchester Police at the Barton Moss protests (see previous Salford Star article – click here), now the cost of that police operation is coming under greater scrutiny...

Photo by Ben Deevoy