Trawlermen commited for trial 09 Mar 1962

Hull Magistrates heared the case against Hull trawlermen that had sailed on the Hull trawler St Elstan on her Christmas Trip last. The crew known as a christmas cracker crew, the crew consisted of regular crewmembers and replacement crewmen who would replace any regular crew wishing to have christmas at home. The regular crewmen believing the unskilled replacement placed further work and burdens upon them. It was alleged by the prosecution that the regular crew had tried to sabotage the voyage and prevent the trawler making a successful trip. While in Hammerfest Norway vital parts of machinery had been thrown overboard and when they were recovered by a diver again disappeared, there was also damage to the steering gear. The vessel was then sailed to Tromso Norway and spare parts ordered and flown out from the UK, again at Tromso there was trouble as part of the catch was allegedly sold to buy drink. The Engineroom artificers of a fishery protection vessel having to go aboard to raise steam so the vessel could be brought back to Hull, it was alleged it was very difficult to find a sober man aboard the vessel. Six of the accused elected to be tried immediately but one crewman wished to be tried by jury. This would mean bringing witnesses from Norway.

Harrison was granted bail in his own recognizance of £100. The other six men were remanded in custody until March 15.