News in brief

Trials news

  • There have been anti-arms trade legal victories connected to protests at the defence & security equipment international (DSEI) arms fair last September. On 4 February, five Christian protesters (Chloe Skinner, Christopher Wood, Daniel Woodhouse, James Clayton and Symon Hill) were acquitted of aggravated trespass. On 18 February, charges were dropped against six other activists.
  • During Balcombe-related anti-fracking trials at Brighton magistrates’ court at the end of January, Aaron Bell was acquitted of obstructing the police. Two other activists were separately found guilty of assault and obstructing the police. A fourth trial was continuing as PN went to press.
  • Two Combe Haven Defenders anti-roads trials concluded on 28 January and 7 February: verdicts are on 12 March and 18 March, 10am, Brighton magistrates court.