Charges against clown protestors dropped

Intimidation charges against seven people who staged a protest outside the home of a weapons conference organiser in 2006 have been withdrawn.

The seven appeared in Wellington District Court for a defended hearing today, facing charges dating back 18 months ago when they dressed as clowns and protested outside the weapon conference organiser Neal Garnett's house in Wellington.

The defendants included well known peace activist Valerie Morse, who said having the charges dropped was a tremendous relief.

Alongside Morse at court today were fellow protesters Kelly Buchanan, David Cooper, Sebastian Henschel, Jesse Hinchey, Hannah Newport-Watson and Urs Signa. They belonged to Peace Action Wellington.

- NZPA