The trial of Garrett Richardson took place yesterday Thursday 25th and concluded on Friday 26th March.

Garrett was one of the two people arrested during the 'Siege of Hillsborough' antiwar day of action for Bush and Blair's visit to N. Ireland on 7th April last year.

The case heard evidence from the 12 peelers involved and the reading of the statements from the prosecution in regards to the charges of 'disorderly behaviour' and 'resisting arrest'. At the outcome of the case the judge conceded that Mr Richardson had not been 'disorderly' and it was the judges view that the police were mistaken in their portrayal of the charges and that there had been collusion between the police while making their statements.

Due to this he was found 'not guilty' to the charge of 'disorderly behaviour' but due to a legal technicality he found Mr Richardson 'guilty' of 'resisting arrest'. The technicality was 'obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duty' which was the result or Mr Richardson trying to back off from the police to defuse the situation.

There will be a Community Service Order as a result of the charge of 'resisting arrest' which will be decided on Friday 30th April at Lisburn Magistrates Court.

In regards to the charge of 'disorderly behaviour', Mr Richardson has been granted leave to take a civil action against the police which will probably go to hearing in several months time, which may lead to disciplinary action against the 12 officers involved and a small amount of compensation.

If you were the middle-aged woman (or know this person) with the white hair and colourful patchwork coat who attended the Hillsborough Day of Action and approached the police during the confrontation, please
contact me Garrett Richardson at:

gunvor2303@yahoo.co.uk

in regards to making a statement in the civil action against the police.

Garrett