Friends of the Earth: Press Release: FOE WELCOMES SEA EMPRESS GUILTY PLEA

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FOE WELCOMES SEA EMPRESS GUILTY PLEA

12 Jan 1999

Friends of the Earth's Head of Campaigns in Wales, Gordon James, said:
“We are pleased that a guilty plea has been entered at the outset and that the main charge against the principal defendant has been successful. This vindicates the stance taken by Friends of the Earth in pressing for a prosecution of those responsible for the disaster and justifies the considerable effort we have put into gathering evidence and obtaining expert opinion.

The courts have been slow to use the powers Parliament has given them for punishing environmental offences. We call on the judge to give a clear signal in passing sentence that environmental law must be respected like any other law.

We shall now listen carefully to what is said in the Court and shall re-assess the situation once the Court proceedings are complete with a view to considering whether there remains a case for Friends of the Earth to press ahead with a private prosecution against the Department of Transport.”

NOTES
1.Both the Harbour Master and the Milford Haven Port Authority were charged with:
(a) causing a public nuisance, contrary to common law, and
(b) causing polluting matter to enter controlled waters, contrary to Section 85(1) of the Water Resources Act 1991.

Contact details:

Friends of the Earth
26-28 Underwood St.
LONDON
N1 7JQ

Tel: 020 7490 1555
Fax: 020 7490 0881
Web: www.foe.co.uk/feedback.html

Media team