Mel Broughton was sentenced to 10 years for "conspiracy to commit arson" in relation to the campaign against the new animal experimentation building at Oxford University.

Evidence against him was flimsy, including:

* his moral support for illegal direct action, which he was perfectly open about.
* his previous convictions for arson, which again is no secret.
* his speeches against the Oxford lab, which were perfectly legal
* possession of some sparklers, which isn't illegal.
* supposed DNA evidence on an match found on an incendiary device, which an expert claimed in court to be fatally flawed.

Mel was under surveillance by police for a long time, so they must have known he wasn't involved.

Also, a tape recording accidentally made by police talking amongst themselves revealed they were out to get Mel, they "planning to wage a 'dirty war' against him":
 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1082732/Police-planned-dirty-war-animal-rights-activist-accused-terror-campaign-court-told.html
"The officers were heard allegedly scheming to bring down Mel Broughton, who is on trial over a suspected firebombing campaign against a controversial animal testing research laboratory."

You can write letters of support to Mel at:

Mel Broughton (TN9138), HMP Woodhill, Tattenhoe Street, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK4 4DA.

For up to date addresses of animal rights prisoners, see the Vegan Prisoners Support Group website ( http://www.vpsg.org) or the Animal Liberation Front Support Group website ( http://www.alfsg.org.uk)