Andrew Patrick Kirk has been sentenced to an outrageous three months in prison. He is autistic. Those of us who have campaigned with him are worried he will not be able to cope inside prison. Because his sentance is so short there will probably be no time to hear an appeal.
FACT:
1. He sent a letter to HLS addressed to "The sons and daughters of Joseph Mengele at HLS". The letter had a Swastika on it. NB: PETA are currently doing a campaign called 'Holocaust on your plate'.
2. The post man at HLS who opened this told the court his parents were 'part-Jewish' and was offended. Presumably the suffering of animals inside HLS does not offend him then?
3. Andy was found guilty of sending 'obscene' or 'indecent' mail to HLS. He was found not guilty for seventeen other letters he sent to various other people.
Andy has been a tireless campaigner for many years, both in local issues in the North and for national campaigns. He recently helped out at Newchurch. Although the Judge was told of Andy's autism he chose to ignore it. Andy even put his name and address on the letters he sent.
Please show solidarity and support for Andy. His contact details are: Andrew Patrick Kirk (TB6810) HMP Birmingham, Winson Green Road, Birmingham B18 4AS
This is not another AR prisoner - Andy will probably not be able to cope inside prison. Please contact the governor of the prison immediatley demanding that Andy gets a proper thorough assessment straight away.
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From the BBC Activist jailed for swastika mail
An animal rights activist has been jailed for sending malicious mail. Jurors convicted Andrew Kirk, 46, of one count of sending malicious mail, including a swastika, to Huntingdon Life Sciences in Cambridgeshire. Kirk, of Swanage Close, Middlesbrough, was jailed for three months. He was cleared of 15 other offences. One related to mail sent to Councillor Peter Clamp, involved in a High Court injunction to protect Darley Oaks Farm, Staffs, from animal rights extremists. Staffordshire Police arrested Kirk over the letter sent to Mr Clamp. Jurors delivered their verdicts at Birmingham Crown Court in November, but sentencing was deferred. Insp David Bird, of Staffordshire Police, said: "We welcome this jail sentence which we hope sends a clear message to protestors who overstep the mark through intimidation and harassment. "Staffordshire Police is committed to upholding the lawful right to protest but will take action against people who commit offences."
Links
BBC News Report
Vegan Prisoners Support Group
