PROTESTORS CRY: FREE JAILED CANNABIS CAMPAIGNER CHRIS

Supporters of cannabis campaigner Chris Baldwin are calling for him to be
released from prison.

A group of protesters were yesterday due to demonstrate outside the
government's Whitehall offices to demand that Baldwin, who was sentenced to
six months' imprisonment for cannabis related offences recently, to be
freed immediately.

Following the peaceful protest, which was due to start at noon, the group
were planning to spend the night "homeless" in St James' Park, London, in
sympathy with Baldwin, of Carnegie Close, Worthing.

Clara O'Donnell, of the Legalise Cannabis Alliance, said :" With the law
change taking place in less than two weeks, it seems a little mad that
Chris Baldwin, who uses cannabis for medical purposes and cannot walk
without crutches, will be locked in a cell at a huge cost to the taxpayer."

A second protest is planned for Wednesday outside Parliament, followed by a
demonstration outside the Home Office on Thursday.

Baldwin was sentenced to six months' imprisonment for his part in the
running of Quantum Leaf cafe in Rowlands Road, Worthing.

MEANWHILE, ANOTHER MAN GETS COMMUNITY ORDER FOR SUPPLY

Keith Chalk. 36, of Goring Road, Worthing, was given a 160-hour community
punishment order on Friday after pleading guilty to five counts of
supplying cannabis.

Chichester Crown Court heard that Chalk, who campaigns for the legalisation
of the drug, sold cannabis to undercover police at Buddies Cafe, Brougham
Road, East Worthing, in June.

Judge Anthony Thorpe said he took into account the sentences passed by
Judge John Sessions on Chris Baldwin, Winston Matthews and Mark Benson
recently for similar offences.