Supporters overwhelm anti-war graffiti artists

Two graffiti protestors were overwhelmed by a crowd of well-wishers when they arrived for their trial at Edinburgh sheriff court on 9 January. Appalling weather conditions failed to prevent more than a hundred supporters from turning up give their support.

Helen John and Georgia Smith were found guilty of defacing the High Court building in Edinburgh. They used black paint to write “ban cluster bombs” and “£76 billion for genocide” on Remembrance Day 2006.

Helen, from West Yorkshire, was sentenced to 40 days and Georgia, from Argyll, received a sentence of 45 days. They spoke articulately in their defence, arguing that they had the right to protest against the illegal war in Iraq.

The pair, now in their seventies, have also received a £1,500 fine, to cover cleaning costs.

Barbara Dowling

They are serving their time at Cornton Vale prison, already home to another graffiti protester, Barbara Dowling. Barbara, who is now released, was sentenced to 14 days in Cornton Vale on 7 January at Glasgow District Court, for breaching a supervision order for a graffiti action in Coulport last year.