82 Year Old Appears At Wrexham Magistrates For Refusing To Fill In Census

Picture: Brian Turner

An 82 year old man appeared before Wrexham Magistrates Court yesterday charged with failing to complete the 2011 census.

John Voysey from Herefordshire, who is a conscientious objector, was joined by 25 supporters who held placards with anti-war slogans and messages of support for him outside the court.

He said that he objected to filling in the census on a moral basis as it is administered by the company Lockheed Martin who sell armaments.

Mr Voyesy who is also a Quaker was joined by Quakers from Wrexham, Herefordshire and Shropshire, along with members of Wrexham Peace and Justice Forum and the group NoCONcensus.

The court heard that on 11 August 2011 at his home address he refused to make a census return as required under the Census Act 1920, however Mr Voyesy, who was representing himself, said that his defence would focus on whether the case was an abuse of the court process and whether his beliefs had been discriminated against.

He also questioned the decision to hold the case 65 miles from his home.

Mr Voyesey entered a not guilty plea and the case was adjourned until Friday 2nd March.