Woman denies blackmail plot (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Woman denies blackmail plot

3:25pm Tuesday 17th July 2007 in News By Michael Black

An animal-rights activist has appeared in court and denied being involved in a blackmail plot.

Suzanne Jaggers, 35, of Upper Sackville Street, Skipton, pleaded not guilty to an allegation that she tried to blackmail the owner of a dog kennel business into stopping all dealings with Huntingdon Life Sciences.

It is alleged that she made a series of demands on behalf of herself or Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC) to Brett Cassidy with menace.

Today Jaggers appeared before the Honorary Recorder of Bradford Judge Stephen Gullick and pleaded not guilty to a charge of blackmail.

She was told by the judge that she would stand trial on November 1.

Judge Gullick released Jaggers on bail with the condition that she resides at her home address and does not contact any employee of Huntingdon Life Sciences.

Jaggers is only allowed contact with other animal-rights activists via her legal representatives and is banned from participating either in person, by e-mail or via the internet in any animal rights demonstrations in the United Kingdom or abroad.

Judge Gullick was told that the trial is expected to last two days.