Squatting Law conviction in Brighton

[mark at tlio.org.uk]

On September 3 2012, some people were arrested for being in a derelict 
building under section 144 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment 
of Offenders Act.

The three defendants were booked in for a two and a half day trial at 
Brighton Magistrates Court (map) which started at 10am Monday April 22 
2013. People were outside court and the public gallery was packed with 
supporters.

The trial continued Tuesday, with the magistrates considering 
submission of no case to answer. The result (after much deliberation) 
was two defendants walked free from being convicted under Section 144 
(on the grounds of no proof of living) and obstruction. The other 
defendant was cleared of obstruction but still on trial for breach of 
section 144, on what supporters say was very weak evidence.

On Friday May 24th, the defendent was sentenced to 40 hours unpaid 
labour and a £250 fine.  Supporters say the conviction will be 
appealed.

More info at: http://rooftopresistance.squat.net/

also: https://network23.org/snob/

The context explained:
Criminalising Squatting - Privatising Empty Space
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Diggers350/message/4460