Peace activists 'broke into base'

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Two peace activists have admitted breaking into an RAF base to try to stop B52 bombers taking off for Iraq.

Dr Margaret Jones, 57, of Burlington Road, Bristol, and Paul Milling, 60, of Ambleside, Cumbria, wanted to stop the bombers "committing war crimes".

Bristol Crown Court heard they used bolt cutters and hammers to disable fuel tankers and trailers at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, in 2003.

They are on trial accused of conspiring to cause criminal damage to property.

The pair both deny the charge.

More than 50 protesters, including a choir, held a demonstration before the case began at Bristol Crown Court on Monday.

Prosecutor Bruce Houlder QC said they admitted breaking into the base, but claimed their actions were "undertaken to disarm weapons of mass destruction with which the US and its ally Britain seek to wage war in Iraq".

The pair claimed they were attempting to prevent the take-off of the US Air Force planes, which would be used during the conflict later in March 2003.

The jury trial is expected to last up to two weeks and will be presided over by the Recorder of Bristol, Judge Thomas Crowther QC.