An animal rights activist accused of stealing a crayfish from a tank at an upmarket seafood restaurant and throwing it into a harbour sobbed in court today.
Emma Smart, 47, is alleged to have entered the Catch at the Old Fish Market on Weymouth quay and shoved a member of staff out of the way before taking the live crayfish from the tank, running outside and dropping it into the sea.
Smart, a marine biologist, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday after being charged with theft and assault, which she denies.
Her lawyer, Raj Chada, told the court she was in a 'very clearly distressed state' and found it difficult to enter the court room.
He asked Judge Jonathan Fuller for permission for her to sit behind him rather than in the dock, which was granted.
