Jury sworn in for animal rights trial (From Oxford Mail)

Jury sworn in for animal rights trial

12:49pm Tuesday 20th January 2009 in News By George Gaynor

A jury of six men and six women was today sworn in for the trial of an animal rights activist charged after the discovery of an improvised bomb at Oxford University.

Mel Broughton, 48, from Semilong Road, Northampton, faces one charge of conspiracy to commit arson and one charge of possession of an article or articles with intent to destroy or damage property.

Broughton was arrested in December 2007 by detectives investigating a fire at The Queen's College's sports pavilion in November 2006 and the discovery of improvised explosive devices at Templeton College in February 2007.

The trial, at Oxford Crown Court, was adjourned until Thursday, when the prosecution will open its case.

Broughton was remanded in custody.