PRESS RELEASE - Bristol scientist on trial for fracking protest Bristol resident and former nuclear scientist Dr Rowland Dye who lives in St Paul’s is bailed to appear before Blackpool Magistrates Court at 2pm on Tuesday 20th January. He is charged with causing “aggravated trespass” as part of a protest against Fracking in Lancashire last August. He is alleged to have taken part in a protest outside the head offices of the company Cuadrilla and it is claimed that he was among protesters who entered the office of the Blackpool Chamber of Commerce. He intends to plead Not-Guilty to the charge. Rowland Dye studied for a Physics degree at Birmingham University in the nineteen-seventies. He progressed to a Masters in Radiation Biology before obtaining a doctorate in Medical Physics. He worked for a number of years in the NHS before moving to a teaching career in Technology. Last August hundreds of activist who are part of the environmental group, Reclaim the Power (nodashforgas.org.uk) organised a camp on the outskirts of Blackpool. This was in support of the local anti-fracking campaign group, the “Nanas”, who had occupied farmland at the proposed shale gas extraction site operated by the energy firm Cuadrilla. Previous attempts at fracking in the Lancashire area have caused earthquakes and have been deeply unpopular. The protesters organised marches along Blackpool sea front (see https://witness.theguardian/…/53ecae88e4b038fb9…/1110857) followed by thirteen direct-action events around the country, the greatest number in the UK todate . A spokesperson for Frack-Free Bristol Liz Walker says You can tell an industry is in trouble when those who challenge it, from MPs to nuclear scientists, start getting arrested. Whats happened to Rowland is ridiculous, but its a sign that the proponents of fracking are feeling nervous. From Bristol to Blackpool those who understand the implications of unconventional gas are standing together to resist licenses in their areas. A spokesperson for the “Nanas” campaign group in Blackpool Tina Rothery says The actions taken by individuals and groups to draw attention to the very real risks posed by this industry, should be applauded. Across the country and indeed the world, people are striving to defend their communities against threats to the quality of their air, water and environment. This case against Rowland, along with the other (current) case against me involving costs of over £60,000 are clearly being brought to deter others; our right to protest is being hampered by the huge costs, threats of persecution and time demands of having to defend ourselves. The Nanas remain grateful for the support offered to us by Reclaim the Power.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 09:41:30 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015