Brighton squatting trial starts as court clears two of the three accused

Two men accused of squatting in a Brighton flat have had the case against them thrown out by a court this afternoon (Tuesday 23 April).

Alistair Cannell, also known as Allie Cannell, and Tobias Sedgwick, both 23, and both of no fixed address, were told that they had no case to answer at Brighton Magistrates’ Court.

They were charged with obstructing or resisting a constable in the execution of his duty and knowingly as a trespasser living or intending to live in a residential building.

Another man, Dirk Duputell, 30, also of no fixed address, was told that he does have a case to answer and he that he will be tried tomorrow (Wednesday 24 April).

Mr Cannell, who stood for the Greens in Moulsecoomb and Bevendean at the local elections two years ago, and Mr Sedgwick said that the property was not residential.

They also said that there was no evidence that they had lived at the flat.

The case is the first time that a change to the law has been tested. The change followed a campaign by Hove Conservative MP Mike Weatherley to make it an offence to squat in a house or flat.

The three defendants were arrested in a flat above a lighting shop in London Road, Brighton, on Monday 3 September last year – two days after the change in the law took effect.