Stuart Highway sentenced to 21 days (suspended)

Today in the Darwin Magistrate's Court, long term campaigner for human rights and member of the Darwin-based Network Against Prohibition, Stuart Highway, was sentenced to 21 days' jail - fully suspended for 18 months.

Stuart was sentenced after Magistrate John Lowndes found him guilty of 'trespassing' during an anti-John Howard demonstration last year.

Environmental and social-justice activist Justin Tutty told the magistrate: "I caution you about the ongoing intimidation of our legitimate actions.

Referring to the sentencing, Justin said: "It compounds the intimidation of our legitimate actions that will need to continue especially in the face of the nuclear threat in the NT."

Justin was ordered to do 32 hours of community work.

Both of the activists were ordered to pay $590 each in costs - despite the fact that they were prosecuted by a DPP prosecutor and not a private barrister.

Stuart has appealed the finding of guilt and this appeal will be heard in the Northern Territory Supreme Court later this year.

It is hoped that the Darwin community will band together to raise the money required to cover Stuart and Justin's bill.

For more information ring NAP on 0415 16 2525 or see http://www.napnt.org