LEDBURY firm Sequani has welcomed the outcome of a court case that has led to the jailing of one animal rights protestor and a lengthy suspended sentence for another.

A further protestor was discharged but bound over by the judge to keep the peace for two years, or face a £1000 fine.

A statement from the laboratory, off the Bromyard Road: "We welcome the verdict following Operation Tornado' by West Mercia Constabulary.

"It will help to protect our staff and suppliers and others in the industry targeted by extremists.

"It allows them to continue working towards medical breakthroughs without fear of intimidation and harassment."

The statement adds: "Sequani is grateful for the action taken by West Mercia Constabulary to curb unlawful activity by animal rights extremists and to ensure the safety of our staff and general public.

"We are confident that West Mercia Constabulary will continue to control such unlawful activity."

Sean Martin Kirtley, aged 42 of Orford Way, Malvern, was sentenced to 54 months in prison on one count of interfering with contractual relationships of an animal research organisation.

He was also given a five year Crasbo which will commence on his release from prison.

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Dave Williams of West Mercia Constabulary said: "Kirtley is a dedicated animal rights activist who devoted a significant part of his life to leading an organised, systematic and sustained campaign to target Sequani Ltd, with the ultimate aim of closing the company down."

The campaign, involving other activists, included "protests and demonstrations, harrassment and intimidation of staff at Sequani and its partners and neighbouring premises, criminal damage, assault, annoying communications and letter writing campaigns."

Kirtley was found guilty by a jury at Bimingham Crown Court on Wednesday, May 14 and was sentenced at Coventry Crown Court on Friday May 30.

Reporting restrictions were only lifted last week David Daniel Griffiths, aged 39 of Bridge Street, Worcester received a 30 week jail sentence suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to two charges of interfering with contractual relationships of an animal research organisation.

Pauline Burgess of Richmond Road, Malvern Link, was charged with conspiracy to interfere with contractual relationships so as to harm an animal research organisation.

The jury could not agree a verdict and she was discharged.

But the judge bound her over to keep the peace for two years, or face a £1,000 fine.

Chris Dowdeswell of Western Animal Rights Network said: "Kirtley will now be incarcerated for far longer than most dangerous criminals.

"Child abusers, rapists and violent criminals are often given lower sentences."

He said that Kirtley plans to lodge an appeal.