Three convicted of base break-in

Susan Brackenbury climbed a wall into the base

Three peace protesters have been convicted of attempting to attack a nuclear missile submarine by breaking into Devonport Dockyard.

The three were all charged with being equipped to cause or causing criminal damage at the Plymouth base in September and November last year.

The three pleaded not guilty at Plymouth Crown Court.

They argued their actions were justified, as nuclear weapons were illegal under international law.

Shirley Law, 58, from Plymouth, and Susan Brackenbury, 28, from Faslane in Scotland, were arrested after cutting a hole in the fence surrounding the base.

They were carrying a hammer, screwdriver and spray paint, but they did not get inside.

Previous break-in

They were attempting to attack the Trident nuclear missile submarine HMS Vanguard, in Devonport for a refit.

Two months before, Brackenbury and Matthew Bury, from Glastonbury, had got into the base by climbing a wall.

They spent up to 15 minutes inside before being arrested.

They also intended to attack Vanguard, but did not reach her.

Brackenbury was convicted of criminal damage, and sentenced to six months in prison. She was freed as she has already served eight on remand.

Bury and Law were convicted of attempting to attack Vanguard.

Both were given conditional discharges.