In brief

Wednesday May 25, 2005
The Guardian

BNP wreath charge dropped

Anti-racism campaigner Martin Gleeson walked free from court yesterday after laying a wreath on top of a BNP one at a Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony in Oldham. The prosecution dropped the case against him.
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Background:

Amicus criticises police prosecution over wreath laying incident

21  February 2005

Derek Simpson, General Secretary of Amicus, has expressed concern and shock after a police decision to prosecute an Amicus representative for laying a wreath on top of a BNP wreath at a Holocaust Memorial event in Oldham.

The head of the largest private sector union says he is stunned by the decision by Greater Manchester Police to prosecute Martin Gleeson, an Amicus convenor, for criminal damage after allegedly damaging a BNP wreath laid underneath his.

Derek Simpson, General Secretary of Amicus, said: 'Amicus is proud that one of our members took action at the Holocaust Memorial Day event in Oldham to challenge the BNP. I find the actions of the police on this occasion surprising and regrettable. Amicus will continue its contribution to the fight against racism at work and beyond.'

Martin Gleeson, an Amicus convenor and engineer at Zetex in Oldham, said: 'I am surprised by the police decision to prosecute me and I am extremely grateful for the many messages of support I have received from colleagues across the trade union movement.'

The case hearing will take place in Oldham Magistrates Court tomorrow at 10 am when a trial date is likely to be set for later in the year.