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Animal rights fire-bomber jailed Animal rights fire-bomber jailed
(about 8 hours later)
An animal rights activist who admitted conducting an arson campaign against people he believed had links to the vivisection industry has been jailed.An animal rights activist who admitted conducting an arson campaign against people he believed had links to the vivisection industry has been jailed.
Donald Andrew Currie, 39, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Reading Crown Court in August to arson charges and to possessing fire bombs.Donald Andrew Currie, 39, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Reading Crown Court in August to arson charges and to possessing fire bombs.
He was charged over incidents at homes in Berks and Bucks and at a firm in Somerset, between May 2005 and March.He was charged over incidents at homes in Berks and Bucks and at a firm in Somerset, between May 2005 and March.
Currie was given an indeterminate sentence, to serve at least six years.Currie was given an indeterminate sentence, to serve at least six years.
The jobless father-of-three was arrested in March after two homemade bombs, consisting of weed killer and sugar, were found by police underneath a car.The jobless father-of-three was arrested in March after two homemade bombs, consisting of weed killer and sugar, were found by police underneath a car.
The vehicle was outside the Caversham home of a sales and marketing director for a courier firm understood to have dealings with clinical trials groups, an earlier hearing was told.The vehicle was outside the Caversham home of a sales and marketing director for a courier firm understood to have dealings with clinical trials groups, an earlier hearing was told.
ALF linkALF link
Currie admitted two counts of possessing an explosive substance with intent to endanger life and seriously damage property.Currie admitted two counts of possessing an explosive substance with intent to endanger life and seriously damage property.
In relation to a bid to set the car on fire, Currie admitted attempted arson, but denied aggravated arson.In relation to a bid to set the car on fire, Currie admitted attempted arson, but denied aggravated arson.
Willing to maim in the name of animals Willing to maim in name of animals
Currie also admitted aggravated arson in relation to another attack in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, in September 2005, where an incendiary device caused a fire on the doorstep of the home of Paul and Joan Blackburn.Currie also admitted aggravated arson in relation to another attack in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, in September 2005, where an incendiary device caused a fire on the doorstep of the home of Paul and Joan Blackburn.
He denied a fifth charge of aggravated arson in relation to a fire at a cardboard box firm in Williton, Somerset, in May 2005, which caused £140,000 damage.He denied a fifth charge of aggravated arson in relation to a fire at a cardboard box firm in Williton, Somerset, in May 2005, which caused £140,000 damage.
Responsibility for all three incidents was claimed by the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) on its website, according to Thames Valley Police.Responsibility for all three incidents was claimed by the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) on its website, according to Thames Valley Police.
The force said Currie targeted homes of individuals connected with Huntingdon Life Sciences on behalf of the ALF.The force said Currie targeted homes of individuals connected with Huntingdon Life Sciences on behalf of the ALF.
Prosecutor John Price told the court Currie's pleas were acceptable to the Crown, as he had admitted the most serious offences.Prosecutor John Price told the court Currie's pleas were acceptable to the Crown, as he had admitted the most serious offences.