The case of Sean Kirtley brings further to light the question of how far civil liberties in the UK have slipped. Kirtley, a dedicated animal rights activist was imprisoned for over four years under the controversial SOCPA legislation after an 18-week trial found him guilty of conspiring to interfere with the animal research laboratory.
According to Kirtley and his supporters, he did nothing more than write letters to Sequani, run a campaign website and organise peaceful protests.
The Independent newspaper reported the judge who convicted him was a fan of blood sports.
Upon his release from prison Kirtley stands to face a five-year anti-social behaviour order, which could halt any further involvement in political activity and impose curfews and restrictions of movement.
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