Trial of Nottingham 'Atos Two' from February 27th 2012

Two Nottingham residents, a retired paediatric nurse and a wheelchair user, dubbed the ‘Atos Two' have on Friday December 25th both pleaded ‘not guilty' to the charge of aggravated trespass at Nottingham Magistrates Court. Their trial will be held from Monday 27th February 2012.

This follows their arrests at a peaceful protest on September 30th at the offices of Atos ‘Healthcare' on Stoney Street in the Lace Market.

Jamie Kennedy commented on the prosecution of the ‘Atos Two': ‘This trial is an attempt to intimidate protesters and deter people from going to peaceful demonstrations. It is disgusting and a ridiculous waste of resources.'
Atos has been the subject of national protests for its role in the government's attack on disabled benefits claimants.

A well-attended protest in solidarity with the defendants was held outside the Magistrates Court before the hearing.

Contacts
Nottingham Defence Campaign
Email: nottsdefence@riseup.net
Tel: 07758867343
Twitter: http://twitter.com/NottsDefence

Notes for editors

1. Coverage of the protest, the arrests and the prosecution of the Atos Two:
nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2168

A Statement of Support for the Atos Two has been signed by more than a hundred persons and organisations, including Welfare Rights Groups, Councillors and John McDonnell MP:
nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2195

For a report on the solidarity demonstration please see:
nottingham.indymedia.org.uk/articles/2202

2. Atos Healthcare was selected by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to administer the Work Capability Assessments (WCA).

Campaigners claim that WCA are part of a deliberate policy by the coalition government designed to force as many people as possible off disability benefits regardless of their physical and/or psychological abilities.

Critics of Atos Healthcare point to the high number of successful appeals against decisions by the company. A report by BBC Inside Out East found that more than one third of appeals were successful. (http://bbc.in/ulXxMG)

Furthermore the expertise and conduct of the so called ‘healthcare professionals' undertaking the assessments has been severely questioned by campaigners. In August it emerged that twelve doctors employed by the company were being investigated by the General Medical Council over allegations of improper conduct. (http://gu.com/p/3x7jd)