New British Animal Righst Prisoner

ELP Information Bulletin (20th September 2006)

Dear friends

British animal rights activist, Joe Harris, was today sentenced to 3
years imprisonment for taking direct action against Huntingdon Life
Sciences targets.  His tactics included gluing locks and slashing car
tyres.

As yet ELP does not have a prison address for Joe, so if anyone knows
where he is being held can they please contact ELP as soon as
possible.  Thanks.

Below is a mainstream media article about Joe.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hampshire/5362926.stm

Animal rights protester is jailed

A cancer research specialist who sabotaged companies linked to animal
research lab Huntingdon Life Sciences has been jailed for three years.

Joseph Harris, 26, a doctor of molecular biology, has become the
first person to be convicted under economic sabotage laws to protect
companies.

As part of his campaign Harris, of Bursledon, Southampton, glued
locks and slashed tyres at three companies.

Northampton Crown Court heard his work had put him in a "moral dilemma".

He carried out the first attack on the day he was awarded his PhD.

 It causes me great discomfort in seeing you before the court having
thrown so much away

Judge Ian Alexander

The court was told his field of speciality was leading him to test on
animals as he researched treatment for pancreatic cancer.

In sentencing him, Judge Ian Alexander said: "I am sorry that your
conviction and the sentence I impose will seriously damage what was a
very promising career.

"It may well be that your future inability to continue your research
into gastro-intestinal cancer will be a great loss to those who
suffer that disease.

'Thrown away'

"The seriousness and objective of your offences must be marked both
as a punishment and deterrent to others."

 Essentially he came to a crisis point

Rebecca Trowler, defending Harris

The judge added: "It causes me great discomfort in seeing you before
the court having thrown so much away."

Harris attacked three companies linked to Huntingdon in December 2005
and January 2006.

He admitted charges under the Serious and Organised Crime Act
involving attacks at firms in Northampton, Nottingham and Bicester.

The companies supplied building materials, refrigeration servicing
and testing equipment to the Cambridgeshire firm.

Damage caused by Harris totalled more than £25,000

The court heard how the Nottingham University graduate had recently
split up from his girlfriend, who disagreed with his work and its
animal testing.


Rebecca Trowler, who was defending Harris, said: "This put him in an
increasing moral dilemma.

"Essentially he came to a crisis point and he took a very very stupid
decision."


The Serious and Organised Crime Act was brought in by the government
last July to tackle harassment and threats from animal rights
activists.

Vernon Coaker, Home Office minister, welcomed Harris' conviction.

He said: "It is wholly unacceptable that a small minority of animal
extremists should mount a campaign of fear and intimidation against
individuals and companies going about their lawful business and that
is why this Government took steps to introduce these tough new
measures."


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