Totnes Court Case Update

The two women who were charged back in August with £605,000 of criminal damage for removing the controversial trial of genetically engineered (GE) maize at Hood Barton, next to Riverford Organic farm in Devon, had their charges changed today. They have now been charged with conspiracy to cause criminal damage, and have been bailed to appear before Plymouth Crown Court on December 29th. Previously harsh bail conditions, consisting of nightly curfew and daily signings were lessened and they will now have to sign on twice weekly at their local police stations. They are still banned from entering Devon apart from attending court appearances.

150 people gathered outside the court on the day, and over 2,000 signatures have been collected by the local campaign, in support.

Ten other people that were arrested in connection with the action have had DNA samples taken and are still awaiting results from forensics to see whether or not they will also be charged.

Contact: GEN (see contacts list).