Brighton sound systems are impounded

By: Anonymous

March 30 2002

Sussex police unlawfully impounded three sound systems (Warped, Technophobia and Kymera) in Brighton last weekend while they were setting up before for a party. Regretably according to reports the police weren't very concerned about how they went about the raid...

"Whilst setting up we got about 20 minutes advance warning that the Babylon were heading in our direction. We killed all the lights in the warehouse and sat in silence for that time. We could hear more cop vehicles arriving and heard them walking round the building and shining torches through windows.

10 minutes later there is a loud bang, low and behold they've literally torn a steel fire door from its hinges, 10 or so pigs run in with torches shouting at us to stay where we are, followed by 2 dog handlers, and some guy (riot officer?) with 'KB' letters on the back of what looked like a bulletproof vest, brandishing a pretty hard-core looking camcorder (we requested the tape number to get a copy but they said no- which was also caught on camera).

All 22 of us get lined up against a wall, names and addresses taken. Then we get 'group-read' our rights, but not arrested then told to leave the building immediately (without any personal belongings). We were told they were seizing all vehicles and equipment because we were in the process of setting up and illegal rave and that we were conspiring to sell alcohol.

After much arguing they let us in (escorted) one by one to collect jackets, keys etc. It's now cost us £150 extra hire fee for the van and £105 release fee to get it out the police pound. There is still no mention of getting the systems back but we have been asked to attend the station today (1 person from each 'group') in order to "identify property and facilitate the criminal process".Sounds like they're trying to fuck us over... this cannot be right."

Appeal: We're asking for offers of legal aid and advise on behalf of the 3 systems involved. Whether you can recommend a friendly lawyer or you've been through a similar experience, we need to hear from you!