Source: Worthing Herald, UK

Pub Date: 15 May 2003

Subj: Demo as cannabis four face charges

Web site: http://www.worthingtoday.co.uk

Ref: http://www.ccguide.org/cannabiscafes.php

Demo as cannabis four face charges

PRO-CANNABIS supporters staged yet another protest in Worthing on Tuesday morning.

The peaceful protesters gathered outside Worthing Magistrates' Court to call for cannabis to be legalised and to support four men appearing at court on charges relating to the former cannabis cafe, Bongchuffa, in Rowlands Road.

Cafe founder Chris Baldwin, 53, of Carnegie Close, Worthing, is charged with being the occupier of premises permitting a drug offence and cannabis possession with intent to supply.

He appeared with a new, smart look - and minus the trademark long hair.

Mike Allday, 37, of Thompson Close, Durrington, is charged with being the occupier of premises permitting a drug offence.

Mark Benson, 27, of Irene Avenue, lancing, is charged with being the occupier of premises permitting a drug offence, possession of cannabis, producing a controlled drug and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

Winston Matthews, 46, of Horley in Surrey, is charged with being the occupier of premises permitting a drug offence. All men were released on bail to appear again on April 15 and their cases will be committed to crown court.

After the court hearing, the protesters, who were carrying banners which read "free the weed" and were chanting, marched to the Town Hall, where they presented a petition in support of legalising cannabis to council staff and spoke with councillor Bob Smytherman.

Sarah Chalk, of Friends of Worthing Koffeeshops, said: "The protest went very well and people who turned out were amazing. There was a real feeling of support.

"The petition was signed by more than 400 people and we are going to carry on campaigning - we plan to go to Downing Street".