Opencast Defendants Found Guilty

Following the day of action against open cast mining in October of last year, 19 activists were found guilty of 'besetting a place of work' after a two week trial. They now face probable sentences of community service, and in one case prison, when they return to be sentenced on the 2nd of November.

No-one was arrested at the mine itself despite the huge amount of damage caused to its workings. All the arrests occurred some hours later in the office of HJ Banks (the mine owners) which was being occupied.

Despite the fact that none of the 19 are charged with any damage at the mine, the magistrate ruled that as they must all have been aware of the damage before they went to the offices, it is an aggravating factor in the offences they committed. They are effectively being punished for damage they did not commit.The magistrate also found that all individuals on the action, including some who did not enter the building, were guilty of the offence as they had the common purpose of disrupting work. In effect, all individuals are being held responsible for the behaviour of all other individuals present. This may have great relevance to future actions.

One activist commented: 'This occupation was the equivalent of punching a large bully very hard in the face and then hanging around to tinker with his car 'till his mates turned up. This mistake should not be repeated.'

Contact: No Opencast 0171 603 1831.