Since the high profile ‘Operation Achilles’ police raids and charges brought against around 20 animal rights extremists last year, it’s been rather quiet on the extremism front. Hardly surprising perhaps, since so many of the leading activists are serving time or are on remand.
Further positive news has surfaced this week.
Today, three more extremists were arrested as part of Operation Achilles, which is the codename for investigation of alleged conspiracy targeting a variety of organisations and individuals, including Huntingdon Life Sciences.
Earlier this week, one extremist had her sentence trebled following an appeal. Deborah Morrison pleaded guilty to 12 offences, including six charges of blackmail, last October, but only got eight months in prison. She was one of those who had focussed on the beleaguered Darley Oaks Farm, the laboratory guinea pig breeder that closed down two years ago following years of harassment and intimidation of family, friends, suppliers and customers.
The appeal judge said it was necessary for the courts to show how seriously they took those sorts of offences, to act as a deterrent.
Inspector David Bird of Staffordshire police said
‘Morrison was involved in serious crime over several years in the name of animal rights. Her offences affected dozens of people and their families throughout the country.’
and that the increased sentence
‘reflects the impact Morrison’s crime had on her victims.’
We hope that the police have good evidence to charge the three extremists arrested today and that they too receive sentences commensurate with their crimes.
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