Date: 18 September 2009
Sequani campaign Court of Appeal ruling
A Malvern man has had his conviction under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (SOCPA) overturned at the Court of Appeal.
Sean Kirtley, 43, was acquitted of conspiring to interfere with the contractual relationships of an animal research organisation by the Court of Appeal.
Another man, David Griffiths, 40, originally pleaded guilty to two counts under SOCPA. His appeal was allowed on one count, but dismissed on the second.
The men were arrested as part of Operation Tornado, which looked into incidents of intimidation and harassment linked to an animal rights campaign against Sequani Ltd and other businesses in Herefordshire. Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incidents.
A spokesman for NETCU said: "The police service makes every effort to facilitate peaceful, lawful protest wherever it occurs.
"We fully recognise that the majority of animal rights campaigns are conducted lawfully, and we will continue to work with forces to ensure that the right to protest is upheld.
"However we also remain committed to protecting those engaged in lawful business from unlawful intimidation and harassment. Where there is evidence of an offence, the police will take proportionate action against suspects.
"Ultimately, it is for the courts to decide whether or not there is enough evidence to convict."
