THE first of three groups of anti-war protesters due before the courts had charges of obstructing the public highway put to them by Watford Magistrates on Thursday.
Over the course of three days 51 defendants will be brought before the court in connection with demonstrations outside the gates of Britain's military headquarters in Northwood.
The action was part of a national campaign to protest against what is seen as a looming unjustified attack on Iraq.
The arrests were made on Sunday January 19, after protesters refused to move from the entrance of the Permanent Joint Headquarters of the British Armed Forces in Pretty Corner.
All the defendants had been charged with obstructing the public highway, apart from one person who was charged with criminal damage.
At Watford Magistrates on Thursday a hand full of the 28 defendants due to appear pleaded not guilty, while the remainder pleaded guilty or offered no plea.
Court was adjourned for the majority of cases until Wednesday, February 26, in order to fix a trial date.
The remaining defendants will appear at Watford Magistrates on Monday and Tuesday.
January 30, 2003 15:30
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