Excerpts from the Ledbury Reporter. 22nd August:

POLICE in Ledbury are bracing themselves for a mass protest outside Sequani’s animal testing lab on Saturday September 6.

Promoters of the day of action say they are showing support for Sean Kirtley, who is currently serving a four-and-a-half year prison sentence for his part in a prolonged protest campaign against Sequani.

The protest outside the Bromyard Road firm is being advertised on the Internet as the “Carnival Against Vivisection”. A website states: “We are constantly being told at marches and demonstrations that this isn’t the time or place to take action or get angry. Well, the time is noon and the place is Sequani.”

Groups mentioned on the web site include the Animal Liberation Front and Direct Action. Protestors are being urged to “bring noise making equipment and wear green”.

Protestor Lynn Sawyer said she would be there, protesting peacefully, as an individual.

She said that no one wished to liaise with the police because of what happened to Sean Kirtley. She added: “You liaise with the police, you get seen as the organiser and that could get you sentenced to four and a half years.”

Malvern-based protestor Pauline Burgess said she would be collecting for a charity on the day and knew little about the planned protest.

But she added: ”If I can get to Ledbury, I will.”

Ms Burgess was put on trial alongside Kirtley, found not guilty but was bound over to keep the peace for two years, or face a £1,000 fine.