Case notes
Page 26
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T have just received a copy lof Commercial Motor (10-16 Aug) from a fellow driver in England. While I appreciate you reporting my injustice at the hands of the French, there were a few points that were incorrect.
On the day of my trial, nine other cases were heard, taking more than six hours in all to complete. Its true that the three judges took barely 25 minutes to deliberate on four of the cases, including mine, which has left me in no doubt that they were prejudged.
The actual amount of cannabis was 89 kilos and this was packed into two large sports bags that also contained 110,900 in counterfeit 150 notes.
Also the correct figure for the fine imposed by the Customs was just over 1300,000, which is not only a ridiculous amount but is illegal under EC law. I appealed against my conviction immediately but have been informed that it could take six months before I am back in court, As I have already been remanded for 14 months while the magistrate carried out his investigations, most of my fellow inmates think I am crazy not to accept the sentence as I would be eligible for release after two years. However, I intend to fight for my innocence and freedom even if it takes the whole four years and bankrupts me in the process. It seems incredible that as we approach the 21st century a European country can still operate under a Napoleonic legal system.
I could elaborate more on my case, but feel it would be better if you could use the pages of your magazine to warn other owner-drivers of the perils they face when hauling on the Continent, particularly in France.
I would also like to thank the United Road Transport Union, Fair Trials Abroad, World in Action and Granada Television, for the tremendous support they have given me throughout my ordeal.
John Harrower Bayonne, France.