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Tom is tried for criminal damage

In 1999, after attempting to destroy a crop of genetically modified oil seed rape, Tom Archer was charged under Sections 1 and 4 of the Criminal Damage Act 1971. His trial took place from 25 October to 3 November.

Prosecuting barrister Corrine Holford told the jury that Tom acted out of hot-headedness and bravado. He was a common criminal whose selfish act had caused distress and upset. Tom's barrister Adrian Manderson brought up the environmental risks that could result from the crop.

Michael Parrish from Bealtech, the company which had organised the GM trial, explained how GM crops were already being grown on about four million acres worldwide. In Britain careful trials were under way but the vandalism that was already taking place could delay the commercial introduction of the crop by up to a year. Professor Armstrong, a toxicologist, said there was no reason to think that GM foods were any less safe than other foods.

When Tom was called he spoke with a passion about his fears for Bridge Farm's organic produce. But the prosecution questioned his motives. Did he see himself as a hero? Had he done anything to solve things before taking this direct action? Tom replied "No" to both questions.

For the defence, Dr. Finch, a geneticist, said that he was not against research, but he felt it should be in a controlled and protected environment. Cross-pollination and horizontal gene transfer were a real possibility. A Soil Association representative made a strong case for organic farms be protected from GM contamination.

But at the end of the day Tom felt that he had been a complete idiot.

Corrine Holford summed up, saying that from beginning to end the whole adventure had been furtive, ill considered, and sordid. Responding, Adrian Manderson painted Tom as an anxious young man who cared passionately about the environment.

Tom was found not guilty, to huge relief and jubilation from Pat and Tony.