Yay :)

The 3 defendants were acquitted on sections 68 (aggravated trespass) and 69 (failure to leave land if practicable when asked by a police officer)of the 1994 Act.
During a peace camp at EDO/MBM's Brighton arms factory last summer the 3 had occupied the roof for over 24 hours.
The prosection alleged how the 3 had attempted to disrupt 'lawful business' by draping a banner from the roof and intimidated workers by threatening to drop the banner on them.
The court was also entertained by a police video without sound where it was alleged a PC had clearly warned the roofers.
Come along to the noise demo this Thursday from 4-6 at EDO/MBM, Home Farm Rd, Moulsecoomb, Brighton nr Moulsecoomb station to celebrate.

guess that means roof occupations are legal!

If you gain entry onto EDO's roof, you will be trespassing. Trespass in England and Wales is a CIVIL matter and the police theoretically only have the right to remove you from the property using reasonable force.

In reality you will be arrested for aggravated trespass which is a criminal offence under section 68 of the 1994 Criminal Justice Act. Whether this charge will stick depends on whether the court believes that you trespassed on EDO's property with the intention of intimidating, disrupting or obstructing EDO's employees and their 'lawful' activities.

The magistrate was obviously in a good mood in this case.

However, the five people who occupied EDO's roof in May (under pretty much the same circumstances) were not so lucky and were found guilty. The only difference on the ground between the two occupations is that on the first one (May 2004), EDO's management decided to shut the factory down, whereas on the later occupation (Sept 2004), they carried on business as usual. The reaction of EDo's management has nothing to do with the intentions of the protesters (who stated that they were occupying the roof to get media attention, NOT to wilfully disrupt EDO's business), and the magistrate (who happens to be a £90,000 a year District Judge) should have known better if she was really interested in dispensing justice.

The first group of roof protesters are mounting an appeal against their conviction and the latest result should help them. The appeal will go to the crown court and will hopefully be a fairer chance to call into question the legality of EDO's activities.

For a detailed report on the trial of the May protesters:

 http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/01/303721.html

SHUT DOWN THE WAR PROFITEERS!

SMASH EDO!