Your Manchester comrade James Thorne is being tried on a trumped up assault charge after police violently dispersed a peaceful protest last June. All support on 29/30 January at Manc Magistrates Court warmly appreciated.
Dear Friends,
I am on trial on Thursday 29th and Friday 30th January, at Manchester Magistrates Court, starts 10am.
This trial arises from an incident on June 7th 2003, when I happened to be a bystander at an impromptu protest in Albert Square, Manchester. Police moved in to rough up half a dozen men and women who had raised a banner stating ‘Another World is Possible’, in a public place where a military band was playing. I was also pushed over from behind, and handcuffed on the floor.
Having kept me in the cells for five hours, and failed to contact a solicitor despite my request, they bailed me to return the next day. When I did so, they charged me with assaulting a police officer, falsely alleging that I had punched and kicked one PC Hanvy, of the GMP. Six cops have signed made up statements describing this fictional attack.
Although this ludicrous incident doubtless had its comic side, it is also sadly a reminder of the often unacceptable behaviour of the Manchester Police. Moreover, along with the resultant prosecution, it represents yet another attack on freedom of speech and expression on OUR streets. Theoretically, assaulting a PC carries a six-month sentence.
If anyone can attend court in anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist solidarity, it would be so good to see you.
James
[If any further witnesses have any information about this incident whatsoever, please contact Peter Malone at Lizar’s solicitors (0161 227 7777)]
I am on trial on Thursday 29th and Friday 30th January, at Manchester Magistrates Court, starts 10am.
This trial arises from an incident on June 7th 2003, when I happened to be a bystander at an impromptu protest in Albert Square, Manchester. Police moved in to rough up half a dozen men and women who had raised a banner stating ‘Another World is Possible’, in a public place where a military band was playing. I was also pushed over from behind, and handcuffed on the floor.
Having kept me in the cells for five hours, and failed to contact a solicitor despite my request, they bailed me to return the next day. When I did so, they charged me with assaulting a police officer, falsely alleging that I had punched and kicked one PC Hanvy, of the GMP. Six cops have signed made up statements describing this fictional attack.
Although this ludicrous incident doubtless had its comic side, it is also sadly a reminder of the often unacceptable behaviour of the Manchester Police. Moreover, along with the resultant prosecution, it represents yet another attack on freedom of speech and expression on OUR streets. Theoretically, assaulting a PC carries a six-month sentence.
If anyone can attend court in anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist solidarity, it would be so good to see you.
James
[If any further witnesses have any information about this incident whatsoever, please contact Peter Malone at Lizar’s solicitors (0161 227 7777)]
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Comments
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Very Best wishes James
26.01.2004 18:16
By the way, have you ever read John Stalker’s book about his experiences in the Manchester police? He was deputy chief constable of Manchester police about 20 years ago. It is about how he was framed by the Establishment when he was called into investigate the RUC/SAS “shoot to kill” policy in northern Ireland. He was a catholic and took the job more seriously than he was supposed to. He was set-up and framed. Essential reading.
Chris Edwards
How to get John Stalker's book
26.01.2004 18:31
There is a subsequent book by Stalker which is more up to date called: "The Stalker Affair: The Shocking True Story of Six Deaths and a Notorious Cover-Up". It can be bought at:
Hey, why don't you walk into court on Thursday ostentatiously carrying a copy of this book?!!!
Chris Edwards
Are we in the 80's again?
27.01.2004 02:57
To me this jsut seems like we only appear to go backwards in time and never forward like a liberal society should do.
Fingers crossed
james Kemp
James Kemp
e-mail:
james_kempy@hotmail.com
Solidarity with James Thorne
27.01.2004 16:12
Mark Hoskisson
Solidarity with James Thorne
27.01.2004 18:57
Jason Travis