Avon Magistrates Court, Yate, Bristol, saw the opening day of the trial against 5 protesters who blockaded a Sainsbury's depot to stop the distribution of GM-fed milk back in February.

The protesters are charged with Aggravated Trespass, but claim that they were acting to protect the public and their children from the harmful effects of Sainsbury's milk which is from cows fed on GM.

Around 30 people came to the court to support the defendents and spell out the message "GM IS IN MILK" with their bodies, as well as perform street theatre with a Damian-Hurst-style-see-through-plastic cow banner (!)

The day progressed well. The prosecution's attempt to lay heavy compensation claims unravelled under examination as it appeared that Sainsbury's figures had been plucked out of thin air.

One prosecution withess, a "National Public Order Tactical Provider" described the protesters at the time of the action as being "Quite pleasant".

The trial continues tomorrow, when protesters will lay out their defence argument. The judge has allowed for their expert witness, scientist Dr Ricarda Steinbrecher, to give evidence on the health risks of GM-fed milk. She will hopefully appear on Thursday.



see:

 http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/305961.html