Date: 22 May 2008
Animal rights extremist receives suspended prison sentence
An animal rights extremist was given a suspended prison sentence after appearing at Preston Crown Court today.
On April 21 this year, Diane Jamieson, 59, of Lytham Road, Ashton-on-Ribble, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to six counts under Section 145 of the Serious and Organised Crime Act 2005. .The charges arose from a series of letters that were sent to a large number of different companies and individuals regularly and over a period of time dating back to 2002.
The recipients had been identified by SHAC (Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty) as having dealings with laboratories and businesses connected to animal research. The letters contained threats and intimidation.
In her letters, Jamieson demanded that the recipient cease trading with such companies and laboratories.
She was sentenced to 51 weeks for each offence, running concurrently, suspended for two years.
The charges were brought against her as a result of a nationwide police investigation known as Operation Achilles, which targets criminal activity associated with animal rights extremism.
When passing the sentence today, Mr Justice Irwin said: "(Jamieson) made an arrogant assumption that you were in the right morally."
Following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Robbins of Kent Police, leading Operation Achilles, said: "We are pleased with the outcome of today's sentencing, which is the second to be passed as a direct result of the police investigations involved with Operation Achilles and continues to demonstrate the determination of UK police forces to defeat animal rights extremism.
"This case featured a large number of victims whose families, as well as themselves, had been subjected to a prolonged campaign of hate and intimidation and who had nonetheless been prepared to give extensive evidence in court detailing the ordeal suffered continuously as a result of this woman's activities.
"However, we are grateful that as a result of the guilty pleas entered by Diane Jamieson, the victims of this campaign of threats and intimidation have been spared the ordeal of giving that evidence at court.
"This conviction is another sign of the improved police response to animal rights extremism which, along with measures taken by the government and changes within the criminal justice system, is now making a significant difference to the lives of people who are affected by the criminal actions of these people, which goes way beyond lawful protest."
