Anthony Smith and Jim Webb are accused of various offences relating to an incident when they picketed the premises of the True Loaf bakery where they were on strike. The prosecution allege that they obstructed and then intimidated lorry driver Ronald Bates who was attempting to deliver flour. A police officer was called and it is also alleged they assaulted him. However both defendants proclaim their innocence. They argue that Bates - with whom they used to work - used violence against them and is a committed anti-unionist and racist who was trying to break their strike. Webb, the shop steward and strike leader who is conducting his own defence, also asserts that the police officer wanted to break the strike and is vindictive in his claim.
—Alan Briscoe