F4J - Full Costume in Court!

[FIRM]

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Eric Ericson

//www.FIRMncp.com

SUSPENSION BRIDGE CAMPAIGNERS - BATMAN, ROBIN, SUPERMAN & SPIDERMAN SUSPENDED!

Synopsis of events:

Today, the 4 Superheros of the Clifton Suspension Bridge protest appeared at Weston-Super-Mare Magistrates Court. In FULL costume they entered half packed Court Room No.1 at 10.06hrs to a rapturous welcome from the public gallery. Carrying laminated pictures of their 'missing' children with the words 'Missing from...' and 'Not Seen Since...' written across the top of the laminates, they were seated to the left-hand side of the court in-front of 'The Dock'. The applause lasted for a good minute or two whilst outside, fellow F4J members continued to hold fast the protest area with banners and placards, overseen by several Officers from the local Constabulary, which is situated next to the court. Back in court, sitting in the Press Box were 3 members of the media, whilst outside stood their camera colleagues from the BBC and HTV, the local press, including The Weston Daily Mercury were in attendance along with other un-disclosed photographers.

The session started with the bench commenting that the dress sense of the accused, whilst not appropriate for attending court, was being viewed as a part of their protest and would not be viewed as being 'contemptible'. However all 4 were warned that a different bench on a different day may not view the situation in the same light.

All 4 were asked to confirm their names, addressess and DOB.

The proceedings commenced with the prosecution stating that the 4 stood before the court today under the charge of causing a 'public nuisance', followers of the case will be aware the Police had originally charged all 4 with the additional crime of 'conspiracy', a charge that has been dropped.

In brief, the prosecution requested an immediate adjournment as the police were requesting a re-investigation of the evidence. This may well be due to the Not Guilty pleas being entered in to by all or some of the accused.

The defendants, sitting together on the side bench, received representation from two counsels, as one of the 4 is receiving independant representation from the 'duty' solicitor appointed following the original arrests. Despite the split counsel, both agreed an adjournment with the bench and made application for disclosure by the police of video and other evidence they are holding, within 14 days. The bench agreed to this and directed the prosecution that this evidence be made available within the 14 days.

Counsel representing 'Batman' asked the court to direct the Press Box to withold 'Batmans' full name - (Don't know why...everyone knows it's Bruce Wayne!) The court stated it did not have power to do this.

With that, all 4 were free to leave, held only under the original, non-conditional bail conditions. The court was adjourned until Thursday 22nd April at 10.00hrs when all 4 are to re-appear.

The court arose whilst the Magistrates retired, whereupon the 4 Superheros received a standing ovation as they left the room. The protest continued outside for an hour and a half whilst the 4 were intervied by press and TV.

More to follow on the 22nd, please attend if you can - A great step forward for F4J and a Great Day Out ! (the result I mean...not Weston-S-Mare)

Regards, Mark Walker Branch Secretary

Fathers-4-Justice - Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire & Oxfordshire Branch

Fathers' Integrity & Rights Movement (FIRM)