First-ever jury trial for GM protesters
17 November 1998
First-ever jury trial for GM protesters
By FWi staff
TWO women have become the first protesters against genetically modified crops to face trial by jury after magistrates ruled that their case should be heard at Crown Court.
Jacklyn Sheedy and Elizabeth Snook appeared before Totnes magistrates this morning (Tuesday) in connection with the destruction of a genetically modified maize crop.
More than 100 supporters were at the court as magistrates ruled that the women should face charges of conspiracy to cause criminal damage.
The two women were among 12 people arrested in August after protesters ripped up the GM maize at Hood Barton Farm near Dartington.
Charges that the protesters caused £605,000-worth of damage have been dropped while police decide whether to charge the remaining people involved.
Totnes residents have collected 2000 signatures on a petition stating that the destruction of the GM maize crop was in the public interest.
The plea hearing will take place at Plymouth Crown Court on 29 December.