War protesters lose legal battle

Some protesters occupied tanks at a military port in Southampton

Anti-war protesters convicted of trespass at various military bases have lost their High Court claim that they were denied justice.

The 16 activists say they should not have been found guilty of aggravated trespass because they were trying to stop an "illegal" war.

The protests against the war in Iraq took place in Northamptonshire, Hampshire and Gloucestershire.

On Wednesday two judges at the High Court in London rejected their claims.

'Illegal war'

Lawyers had argued that the courts which tried the protesters' cases wrongly blocked their defence.

Lord Justice Waller and Mr Justice Jack were told that the trial judges had erred in law by ruling their "illegal war" defence "non-justifiable" on the grounds that it related to decisions concerning defence and foreign policy.

The judges had heard appeals by Greenpeace protesters who occupied tanks at Marchwood military base near Southampton in February 2003.

A second challenge was brought by Lindis Percy who protested in March 2003 at the US Air force base at Croughton, Northamptonshire.

A third challenge involved Valerie Swain, who was convicted of aggravated trespass and criminal damage at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

Greenpeace announced it would be seeking leave to appeal to the House of Lords.