Scottish parliament protest pair set for trial
16.04.08
Two environmental protesters have pleaded not guilty to breach of the peace after a climbing on to the roof of the Scottish Parliament on Monday. Matilda Gifford, 23, and Adam Weymouth, 24, both from Glasgow, belong to direct action campaign group Plane Stupid Scotland, which opposes airport expansion.
The pair appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court facing a charge that they acted in a disorderly manner by climbing onto the roof of Holyrood in Edinburgh. Both denied the charge. A trial date was fixed for 16 July.
Fiscal Depute, Neil Allan, said the Crown did not oppose bail but wanted a special condition that the pair should not enter Edinburgh unless to consult their solicitor or attend court proceedings. Defence agent Rhona McLeod claimed this was using ‘a sledgehammer to crack a nut or a tank to crack a nut’. She said neither of the accused had previous convictions. The defence agent said Miss Gifford was an art student and often visited the city's art galleries and museums. Mr Weymouth had many friends in the city.
Sheriff Kenneth Maciver agreed that, as neither had been before the court before, a ban from the complete area of the city was unnecessary. He imposed the special conditions that they did not approach within 100 yards of the parliament building or enter the precincts of Edinburgh Airport, unless for legitimate travel. The sheriff also warned the protesters that to take part in any other demonstration while on bail would be an offence and that they might not be given bail a second time.
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