'Refusal not justified'

Mr. Evans, in his decision, said the refusal at the police station to allow Jesson to consult his lawyer was not justified. "I consider the reasons by which the inspector seeks to justify his action unacceptable. Defence complaints are well grounded." He added that neither the impending Royal visit nor police fears of trouble could be justification.

Making allowance for Jesson's three days in Jail. Mr. Evans added that any deterrent sentence was rendered unnecessary by the majority of the populace's esteem for Royalty.

In fixing the penalty, Mr. Evans noted:

• The damage Jesson had actually caused.

• The infringement of one of his important rights at the hands of the police.

• The fact that, apart from the means he adopted. Jesson was not in breach of the law, but exercising one of the freedoms which the law guarantees to him—freedom of expression.