In 1977 Michael Fisher defended me following a completely random and unprovoked arrest at Grunwick film processing laboratories in London, where I was demonstrating support for the striking workers. It resulted in absurd charges of assault and more.
I was reluctant to accept Mike’s strong advice to bring character witnesses, preferring to argue on the evident falsity of the allegations. His persistence persuaded me, and one of my lecturers made a round trip of 500 miles to appear on my behalf. I’m glad I listened to Mike’s advice. The police successfully objected to my request for a jury trial, and, following a guilty verdict, a custodial sentence was suspended on the basis of good character.
