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Animal rights protester is jailed Animal rights protester is jailed
(30 minutes later)
A cancer research specialist who sabotaged companies linked to animal research lab Huntingdon Life Sciences has been jailed for three years.A cancer research specialist who sabotaged companies linked to animal research lab Huntingdon Life Sciences has been jailed for three years.
Joseph Harris, 26, of Bursledon, Southampton, is the first person to be convicted under new economic sabotage laws introduced to protect companies. Joseph Harris, 26, a doctor of molecular biology, has become the first person to be convicted under economic sabotage laws to protect companies.
As part of his campaign Harris glued locks and slashed tyres at firms in Northampton, Nottingham and Bicester. As part of his campaign Harris, of Bursledon, Southampton, glued locks and slashed tyres at three companies.
He had admitted three charges under the Serious and Organised Crime Act. Northampton Crown Court heard his work had put him in a "moral dilemma".
Northampton Crown Court heard how he was put in an "increasing moral dilemma", as his work was leading him to test on animals as he researched treatment for pancreatic cancer. The court was told his field of speciality was leading him to test on animals as he researched treatment for pancreatic cancer.
He attacked three companies linked to Huntingdon in December 2005 and January 2006. In sentencing him, Judge Ian Alexander, said: "I am sorry that your conviction and the sentence I impose will seriously damage what was a very promising career.
"It may well be that your future inability to continue your research into gastro-intestinal cancer will be a great loss to those who suffer that disease.
'Thrown away'
"The seriousness and objective of your offences must be marked both as a punishment and deterrent to others."
The judge added: "It causes me great discomfort in seeing you before the court having thrown so much away."
Harris attacked three companies linked to Huntingdon in December 2005 and January 2006.
Harris attacked three companies linked to HuntingdonHarris attacked three companies linked to Huntingdon
He admitted charges under the Serious and Organised Crime Act involving attacks at firms in Northampton, Nottingham and Bicester.
He carried out the first attack on the day he was awarded his PhD.
The companies supplied building materials, refrigeration servicing and testing equipment to the Cambridgeshire firm.The companies supplied building materials, refrigeration servicing and testing equipment to the Cambridgeshire firm.
The Nottingham University graduate had recently split up with his girlfriend, who disagreed with his work and its animal testing.
The Serious and Organised Crime Act was brought in by the government last July to tackle harassment and threats from animal rights activists.The Serious and Organised Crime Act was brought in by the government last July to tackle harassment and threats from animal rights activists.