Charges thrown out

News in Brief

Two anti-Trident activists were acquitted at Plymouth magistrates court on 8 September despite admitting that they had chained themselves to a car outside the entrance to Devonport naval base, where Trident nuclear missile submarines receive maintenance.

Nikki Clarke and Theo Simon blocked the road for several hours, causing widespread traffic disruption last July, but were found ‘not guilty’ of aggravated trespass.

Judge Kevin Grey ruled it was not possible to trespass on a highway, and awarded the Trident Two their costs. (Nikki and Theo also presented their argument that Trident and its maintenance is illegal under international law.)