Animal activists banned by court

Some companies using HLS research allege harassment

Animal rights groups have been banned from approaching workers of a firm linked to a Cambridgeshire laboratory.

The High Court has granted a temporary injunction against four individuals and three groups to stop them "harassing" workers of State Street Corporation.

The investment company's lawyers were granted the order after activists said the firm invested in Yamanouchi Pharma, a Huntingdon Life Sciences customer.

The order prevents activists going to employees homes or the London offices.

The injunction was granted against Greg and Natasha Avery, Heather James, and Lynn Sawyer, all from Worcestershire, and Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty, the Animal Liberation Front, and the Animal Rights Militia.

'Alarm and distress'

After a two-hour hearing on Friday, Mr Justice Newman granted State Street a temporary injunction pending a full trial to determine if the order should be made permanent.

State Street's lawyer John McGhee said the action was triggered by employees' concerns about alleged incidents in which they had been caused "alarm and distress".

He said one member of staff had allegedly had his car tyres slashed on his front drive and his telephone number was changed as he feared he was being targeted.

"He said he feels like he is being watched all the time," said Mr McGhee.

The court also heard claims of threatening letters being sent to company directors urging them to "get rid of" certain shares.

A representative of the activists said he had reservations about the order.