POLICE STATION CANNABIS PROTEST

Twelve people were arrested after allegedly smoking cannabis outside a
police station in Greater Manchester.

The action was part of a protest in support of Colin Davies, the owner of
the Dutch Experience cafe in Stockport.

He has been charged with supplying the drug at the premises in the town centre.

About 30 people marched from the cafe on Saturday to the steps of Stockport
police station where a dozen people were involved in smoking cannabis.

'Smoked a joint'

One protester called Mindy said: "We were doing this in support of Colin.

"The protesters were arrested when they smoked a joint.

"The police are trying to stop the cafe but we are up and running and we
aren't going to stop.

"We will hold another march next week which will be even bigger."

Father-of-two Mr Davies, 43, is currently remanded in custody after being
arrested on 20 November.

He appeared before Stockport magistrates on Friday where he was described
as operating as a drug dealer in the cafe.

Reporting restrictions were lifted at the hearing which was attended by
dozens of his supporters.

His solicitor Lesley Herman said Mr Davies set up the cafe to help who
wanted the drug for medical purposes to obtain cannabis.

Mr Davies, from Brinnington, Stockport, was seized by police as he began an
interview with BBC television.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that 12 people were arrested on
Saturday in connection with drug offences and said the demonstration was
peaceful.