TWO rulings of contempt of ternative bookshop were due for court have been used in Not- trial, and their defence lawyer tingham to impede those persuaded the Crown Prosecufighting racism and fascism. tion Service that an anti-fascist The first case involved rally planned for the preceding Sunday would be in 'contempt'. Ronald Thomas, a young black The CPS agreed, and interman falsely accused of assaultvened to ensure the event was ing three white men who had abused him and his wife before cancelled In the event two of the fascists attacking him.
were acquitted, and eleven found A leaflet produced by camguilty only of 'threatening bepaigners in his support was handed to a juror, and then used haviour'. Just one has been found guilty of violent disorder. as a pretext for Judge Benson to demand Ronald appear in court They face sentencing from the a week after his acquittal, on a same Judge Benson; lenient possible charge of contempt. treatment is expected.
The implications of these uses In the event the case colof the contempt laws are farlapsed. But in January the law of reaching: they offer new ways of contempt was again wheeled out deterring people from setting up in the city. Fourteen fascists from the Combat 18 organisa- and supporting solidarity camtion who had smashed up an al- paigns.