§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the charges recently brought against members of the Exodus Collective near Luton, the outcome in each case and the cost to public funds of the prosecutions.
Mr. John M. TaylorThe following list comprises charges against persons believed to be members of the Exodus Collective, who have appeared before the Crown court at Luton either for trial or on appeal from the magistrates court.
Charges Result (1) Violent disorder Discharged (2) Violent disorder Discharged (3) Possession of controlled drug class A with intent Discharged Possessing a controlled drug class A and handling stolen goods x 2 (4) Using threatening, abusive or insulting words likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress Bound over in £250 for 12 months (5) Using threatening, abusive or insulting words or bahaviour with intent to provoke use of violence Bound over in £250 for 12 months Appeal allowed. Bound over and fine removed (6) Using threatening, abusive or insulting words likely to cause harassment alarm or distress Bound over in £250 for 12 months Appeal allowed. Bound over and fine removed The actual total cost to public funds of the cases listed is not readily available. However, it is estimated to be in the region of £92,000.
In addition, five other persons appeared before Luton magistrates court charged with similar public order offences. The cost of the prosecutions of these further matters is not readily available.