A WOMAN has launched a High Court action against police because they stopped her from going to an anti-war protest at RAF Fairford.
Jane Laporte from London is spearheading a claim against Gloucestershire Police, which turned three coaches around at Lechlade.
Ms Laporte is one of about 60 "Wombles" protesters who were headed for the American base on March 22 last year to protest against the war on Iraq.
Ms Laporte's lawyer, Michael Fordham, said police had been wrong to stop the protesters, and had made no attempt to investigate the identity of people on the coach.
He said the enforced return to London was a deprivation of liberty and also a "highly unpleasant experience" as no toilet breaks were organised.
The police's counsel Simon Freeland said body armour, masks, spray paint, and two pairs of scissors a smoke bomb and five shields were seized from the coaches, hardly tally with a peaceful protest.
Ms Laporte is claiming £2,500 damages.
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