PR: Convictions Quashed on Appeal
24.08.2000
The appeal by Youth Defence members against their convictions in the case concerning events at a picket outside the Adelaide Hospital concluded in the Circuit Court today. Of the twenty two original charges made concerning these events, there are now no convictions recorded against any of the defendants, which upholds the fact that no Youth Defence members have any standing convictions.
In two of the appeals made before the Court Justice Brian McMahon, he dismissed the charges entirely, while applying the Probation Act in four others.
Youth Defence conducted the picket on the day in response to calls made by the Adelaide Hospital for the legalisation of abortion, and their declaration that they would like to see them performed in the Tallaght Hospital, of which the Adelaide is now a part.
Considering that the Gardai made the wildest of accusations against the defendants, the verdict in the case amounts to a complete vindication of the totally peaceful nature of the Pro-Life picket. The judges comments that the Gardai used excessive force during the arrest of at least one of the defendants, is the first public declaration of its kind with regard to Youth Defence, though hardly the first occasion on which it has happened.
Altogether we are pleased with the verdict, which is the best that could be expected given the conflict of evidence, we would of course repeat that no illegal actions actually occurred.
End