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NUS rallies around George Fox Six In September 2004 two Lancaster University undergraduates, two postgraduates, a former student and a student from St. Martins College, entered a university lecture theatre hosting a ‘corporate venturing' conference. They protested for three minutes against the ethical record of companies and individuals present, including BAE Systems, Shell and Lord Sainsbury. One year later the George Fox Six were found guilty of 'aggravated trespass' by District Judge Peter Ward at Lancaster Magistrates' Court. At the trial the judge dismissed accusations of intimidation and violence against the Six, but nevertheless concluded that they had unlawfully disrupted the event. The offence of aggravated trespass has a maximum penalty of three months in prison, but the Six were conditionally discharged for two years and ordered to pay ?300 costs each.
The Six immediately appealed against the decision and a retrial will now take place, provisionally on March 13th 2006 at Lancaster Crown Court. At the Retrial, the Six could get off completely, or they could face a jail sentence. NUS wants students to defend the right of students to express criticism of their institution on campus and to continue to put pressure on the University not to offer any evidence at the retrial. It also wants as many people as possible to turn up and show your support at the start of the hearing. For more information visit the supporters' website at www.georgefox6.co.uk |
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