SHOES OFF IN COURT

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 75, 21 December 1929, Page 33

SHOES OFF IN COURT

OMINED WOMEN’S PROTEST

Remarkable scenes marked the hearing at the Brighton Town Hall of the case in which two women who chained themselves to the balcony at the Labour Party Conference on Thursday were charged with obstructing the police.

The women were Sarah Burl, aged 22, a bookkeeper, and Lilian MacFarlane, aged 32, who gave her occupation as “home duties.” Burl was also charged with assaulting P.C. Scales.

At one time the court-room was a Bedlam. While a Communist who shouted a protest against a police witness was being removed, the cry, “This is not a fair trial,” was taken up by others in the court.

Burl shrieked at the top of her voice, “I’ll see that an organised protest is made. This is not a fair trial. lam not going to let the trial go on.” The Mayor (Mr. H. J. Galliers) ordered Burl’s removal to the cells, but she became silent and the case proceeded. , P.C. Scales said that the women had in their possession pamphlets entitled

“The Russian Prisoners.” “Lest We Forget,” and “The Red Activists’ Book."

P.C. Scales showed the magistrates his leg. It was badly bruised and cut. Burl to P.C. Scales: My shoes could not possibly make such a mark as you have on your leg. P.C. Scales replied that Burl kicked him twice.

Burl then took off her shoes, walked to the bench, and handed them to the magistrates, who examined them. Burl was fined £3 or 21 days, and MacFarlane £1 or six days. Both were allowed 14 days to pay. A previous conviction for assaulting the police was recorded against Burl; on that occasion she was found chained to the top of an omnibus.

Burl began to sing the chorus of the “Internationale” after the conviction. Communists sitting at the back of the court shouted the chorus. There was a scuffle with the police during which shouts and shrieks mingled with the song.

The uproar continued until the Communists reached the streets.