"There really isn't much a creditor can do with respect to a debtor who truly is out of funds. You can't get blood from a turnip, so not that much can be done. So one wonders, what is the ultimate purpose, " says Hodge.

The peace protesters who damaged the Waihopai spy base in Marlborough now face $1.2 million damages claim, after the Court of Appeal found against them.

In 2008, Father Murnane, Samuel Land and Adrian Leason entered Waihopai and punctured an inflatable dome covering a large antennae.

In 2010 a jury acquitted the three on criminal charges, but the Crown then took civil action against them.

Murnane, who is a Dominican friar in his early 70s, has not had a bank account for half a century.

In May he said anyone demanding compensation from him would have to grab him by the ankles and shake him to find any money.

The activists say they will decide in the next two weeks whether to seek leave for a further appeal.

Source

• Stuff.co.nz
• Radio New Zealand
• Image: The livingmoon.com

The article was about the trial of the Waihopai Three, priest Peter Murnane, teacher Adrian Leason and farmer Sam Land who had broken in to the Waihopai spy base in 2008 and slashed one of two inflatable domes. They were found not guilty.

On 31 August this year The Wellington High Court has granted the Crown the right to seek US$1.2 million for the cost of replacing the dome.

Read Jim Consedine's Column which was originally published in the Marist Messenger in June 2010.

Fr Jim Consedine was ordained in 1969. He has been a member of the Catholic Worker in Christchurch for 20 years and writes on peace and justice issues.

Image: Marist Messenger