----- Original Message ----- From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, 2001-03-02 11:08 Subject: [ukma] Latest on trial 'Circus tricks' in scales defence SUNDERLAND greengrocer Steven Thoburn's defence was based on a series of misconceptions, a court heard. Sunderland City Council is prosecuting the 36-year-old trader for using scales which had not been officially approved, because they were unable to weigh in metric. He denies two charges. His barrister, Michael Shrimpton, has claimed the law which requires traders to be capable of using metric measurements had been introduced illegally. But Eleanor Sharpston QC, for the city council, told the court that his case was based on "a series of very fundamental misconceptions". Listening to his arguments had been like going to the circus, she said, and watching "a very clever magician sawing his beautiful assistant in half." "You almost believe you have seen what you have seen." District Judge Bruce Morgan apologised to the court for an administrative error which meant he failed to show up as scheduled yesterday. Closing submissions were continuing through today, but Mr Thoburn will have to wait until April to learn the outcome, when Mr Morgan is to deliver his verdict. ¥ Mr Thoburn and wife Leigh, 27, are also due to appear before magistrates this afternoon, charged in connection with an alleged incident at a city pub at the weekend. The couple, of Association Road, Roker, are accused of causing harassment, alarm and distress at the Harbour Published: 2.3.01 © Northeast Press Ltd
