Yesterday, Kingsnorth. Today, Brighton. Tomorrow..?

Smash EDO activists accused of plotting to cause thousands of pounds of damage to a Brighton weapons factory have been cleared after claiming to be preventing Israeli war crimes.

And naturally, the crusties and hippies and political activists are cock a hoop:

The defendants' solicitor, Lydia Dagostino, said: "We are delighted at the result. I think it sends a clear indication that sometimes direct action is the only option when all other avenues have failed."

Which you’d think would be a very dangerous message for the courts to give out.

Until you realise that they are very, very unlikely to be living in areas affected by any disorder and mayhem. Just as they are highly unlikely to be living in areas affected by any of the other decisions they make.

Still, I wonder if the Greens are regretting their choice of candidate now?

Caroline Lucas, Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, said: "I am absolutely delighted that the jury has recognised that the actions of the decommissioners were a legitimate response to the atrocities being committed in Gaza.

"I do not advocate non-violent direct action lightly.

"However, in this situation, it is clear that the decommissioners had exhausted all democratic avenues and, crucially, that their actions were driven by the responsibility to prevent further suffering in Gaza."

Well, other MPs clearly don’t think the laws apply to them, so why shouldn’t Comrade Caroline advocate civil disobedience and lawbreaking to her followers…?