On September 3 2012, some people were arrested for being in a derelict building under section 144 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act.

The three defendants were booked in for a two and a half day trial at Brighton Magistrates Court which started at 10am Monday April 22 2013. People were outside court and the public gallery was packed with supporters.

The trial continued Tuesday April 23, with the magistrates considering submission of no case to answer. The result (after much deliberation) was two defendants walked free for s144 (no proof of living) and obstruction. The other defendant was cleared of obstruction but remained on trial for s144, on very very weak evidence.

The lessons so far are that you should always plead not guilty to s144 since proving living and proving residential status are both incredibly difficult, especially since the new law is so vague.

The trial continued Wednesday April 24, with lots more legal deliberation over the evidence, ending up with an adjournment until May24.

Now the trial continues tomorrow, at Brighton Magistrates Court, Edward Street.

Come down to see the third defendant walk, or keep in touch on twitter, @housingwar. More details about the case on rooftopresistance.squat.net...

Fuck s144, squat the empties!