Green Party
Councillor and Thanet South Election Candidate, Ian Driver, appeared in Margate
Magistrates Court today charged with assault and entry into a restricted port
facility contrary to section 11a of the ship and port and facility (security)
regulations Act 2004. He pleaded not guilty
and was unconditionally bailed until 25th February when there will
be a 2 day hearing into the allegations.
The charges
against Driver relate to an anti-live animal exports demonstration he attended
at the Port of Ramsgate in May 2014. Driver has been campaigning against the cruel and
brutal shipment of live of farm animals for slaughter in Europe for over 3
years. He said “I will vigorously
contest the charges against and will continue to campaign against the barbarous
treatment of animals by the exporters. This awful trade must be stopped”.
Two
other protestors, Rob Bridger and Christine Smith were conditionally charged
for obstructing the road during anti-live
animal exports demonstrations at Ramsgate in September.
This trade in Live animals being transported to Europe and beyond for slaughter is unnecessary in 2014 and cannot possibly be defended except for Profit by those involved and Government who choose to hide behind the EU. Ramsgate as a town does not need this image . It should urge Thanet District Council to close the loss making Commercial side of the Town Port and develop it into something for the pleasure of all and to attract custom and tourism to the Town. Those who put themselves in the spotlight by Protesting , need your support Ramsgate. PUT an END to this trade in animals for good..Ramsgate is being used as a convenience by the exporters and you the Council tax payer are subsidising the exporters.
ReplyDeleteThis is ridiculous. Using the courts to prevent demonsteations and harrass elected councillors. Who are the magistrates we are funding?
ReplyDeleteIt's an over reaction by TDC officers yet again.
ReplyDeleteThe assault laws are very vague everything from sticking your tongue out to beating someone to a pulp. Courts not in real world and on our tax...
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