Volunteers blockading the Edmonton incinerator site
Heard before His Honour Judge Mervyn Roberts
Crown Prosecution Service: Mr Christopher Ball QC and Mr Morris
Defending: Mr Owen Davies QC and Ms Judy Khan
The morning began with the closing speech for the prosecution.
The prosecution said there was damage to the incinerator's chimney by drilling holes in it. This was not lawful and the defendants' action was for pursuit of a political agenda, their action was a publicity stunt. Although the chimney was not a work of architectural merit the structure's physical integrity had been damaged. The chimney may have been safe to use but harm was done to it. Although the damage was 'not huge' it was actually 'quite extensive in sorting it all out', including checking and restoring the chimney to its previous condition.
The prosecution said the 'defendants took the law into own hands'. 'Despite their honestly held beliefs, people with such beliefs still have to live within the law, which means not damaging people's property
