MSP JAILED FOR PROTEST

Rosie Kane, Colin Fox and Comrade Sheridan have grabbed the headlines in the past, but one of the most interesting MSPS of the SSP is Carolyn Leckie. The former midwife has a bit of integrity – a rare thing – and was today jailed for a week for her continued opposition to nuclear weapons and the ongoing militarisation of Scotland.

Leckie appeared at East Kilbride District Court on Thursday for non-payment of a £100 fine.
She was arrested during a demonstration at Faslane naval base in August 2004 and unsuccessfully appealed a breach of the peace conviction.

She could also be struck off as a registered midwife following her conviction. She said: "If the worst happened and I was struck off as a midwife, the message that sends to health professionals and public sector workers across the country is that they are not expected to express a view, protest or dissent.

"That effectively is a gag on public servants and an affront to democracy."