Pubdate: Thu, 25 Aug 2005
Source: News & Star (UK)
Copyright: 2005 News & Star
Contact:  http://www.news-and-star.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/797
Author: Lezley Gibson
Referenced: 
http://www.ethical-business.com/default.asp?sect=3Ddetail&pet=3D2001
Cited: Legalise Cannabis Alliance  http://ww.lca-uk.org

PETITION AIMS TO HALT CANNABIS COURT CASE

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to stop the prosecution of a Cumbrian couple
who are charged with plotting to supply cannabis.

More than 700 people have signed a petition on an internet site which is
calling for charges against Mark and Lezley Jane Gibson, both 41, of Front
Street, Alston to be dropped.

The couple, who stood for the Legalise Cannabis Alliance party at the
general election, have appeared at Carlisle Crown Court on a charge each of
conspiring to supply the drug.

It is alleged they did this between January 2000 and February 2005.

The Gibsons, who run a shop in Alston, are co-accused with Marcus Peter
Davies, 36, of The Grove, Warboys Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire.

The petition calls for the Crown Prosecution Service in Cumbria to drop the
case against all three defendants.

It has been published on a UK-based website called Petition-them.com, which
says it is aimed at =93individuals and groups who wish to promote a cause or
campaign=94.

Mark Gibson stood as a candidate for Penrith and the Border in the May
election as well as in 2001, while his wife stood in the Carlisle
constituency this year.

Lezley Gibson came to national attention in 2000 when she was cleared at
Carlisle Crown Court of possessing cannabis.

The jury made its decision after hearing how she used the drug to ease her
symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

In 2003, Mark Gibson shelved plans to open a Dutch-style cannabis cafe in
Cumbria.

None of the defendants were asked to enter a plea at their latest court
hearing last Friday.

All three were allowed bail until their next appearance at the crown court
on October 13.
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MAP posted-by: Josh