Warrington Borough Council’s case against Pink Ladies came before Warrington Magistrate’s Court Wednesday 6th May, but proceedings were delayed a little as the Council’s Solicitor, was late, due to his taxi not being able to find the court (which is next to the town’s police station) – quite the opposite to Pink Ladies supporters, members of the club, who arrived in the club’s vehicles and were there in good time.

The Council took action against Tina Dutton and Andrea Winders, following a long-running battle, which has seen a senior Council official admit that details of private emails had been leaked to internet forums, and has involved the use of RIPA powers (originally designed to gather information about suspected terrorists) to gather “evidence” against the ladies-only members club.

In defence of Pink Ladies James Parry, of Nadim Associates, informed the court that the prosecution had been misdirected against Andrea and Tina, who were not the owners of the vehicles alleged to have been used as private hire vehicles, and therefore the case failed.  The court also heard that the Council was now out of time to prosecute the actual owners – Pink Ladies Members’ Club.

Mr Parry invited the Council to drop its case, but the Council has yet to make its mind up how to proceed.

The court also directed that the Council must disclose details of any disciplinary proceedings that may have been brought against any Council official in connection with the investigation against Pink Ladies.

“The fact that Warrington Borough Council is trying to close Pink Ladies when we have the overwhelming support of a large percent of the town’s female population, and in light of the article published in ‘Take a Break’ (7th May), which outlines 17 cases of sexual attacks on women as a result of taxi journeys, and marks it as ‘the tip of the iceberg’ is little short of disgusting” stated Andrea, after the court case, “we are a unique organisation, and provide a valuable service to the members of the club.  Many have written to voice their opinions, and feel that without Pink Ladies they would not have a life.  We just have to continue this fight.”

The case has been adjourned 10th June 2009 for further legal argument, and to the 23rd and 24th July 2009 for a final hearing before the Runcorn Magistrates’ Court.