CAAB

Tuesday 12 October 2004

Anni Rainbow was unable to come to the weekly CAAB demonstration at the Main entrance to NSA/USAF Menwith Hill. Lindis Percy was the lone demonstrator until two friends from Leeds arrived. They arrived just after Lindis had been 'dearrested' by PC Bate. He had informed her at about 7 pm that he was 'reporting you with a view to prosecution' for allegedly 'obstructing an officer in the execution of his duty' (this she denies).

PC Bate then insisted that she give him her name and address as he said he did not know it. Lindis thought that this was an unreasonable request (as in the terms of the 'general arrest conditions) as this officer had been to the Tuesday night demonstration before and therefore he could easily find out her name and address. Lindis was immediately arrested for failing to provide her name and address (geneneral arrest conditions of PACE say arrest possible if as in - s.25 3(a) 'that the name of the relevant person is unknown to, and cannot be readily ascertained by, the constable').

Lindis was driven in a van (in the cage) inside the base and taken to Nessfield Gate on the other side of the base, which was closed. She was kept waiting in the cage for about 5-10 minutes with no explanation. The van was then driven back to the Main gate and out of the base when she was told by PC Bate that he was 'dearresting' her. When asked why, he informed her that the Custody Officer at Harrogate Police Station had refused to accept the arrest. He said the officer could have easily found out her name and address from the Ministry of Defence Police Agency (MDPA) at Menwith Hill.

This is yet another example of the ineptitude and ignorance of the law by the MDPA. Lindis is discussing this and other arrests with her solicitor as since May she has been arrested at least 17 times during the Tuesday demonstrations.

Anni Rainbow and Lindis Percy

Joint Co-ordinators

CAMPAIGN FOR THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF AMERICAN BASES (CAAB)

8 Park Row, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 1HQ, England, U.K.
Tel/fax no: +44 (0)1943 466405 0R +44 (0)1482 702033

email: anniandlindis@caab.org.uk or caab@btclick.com

Website: http://www.caabuk.plus.com

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed it's the only thing that ever does." Margaret Mead