An anti-GM campaigner who broke into Rothamsted Research days before May’s protests was spared prison today.

Hector Christie, of Tapeley Park Lodge in Instow, Devon appeared at St Albans Magistrates’ Court this afternoon and pleaded guilty to criminal damage to the value of £3,850.

On the morning of Sunday, May 20 Christie broke into the research centre in Harpenden and destroyed crops.

The centre is running an experiment on genetically modified wheat.

Tom Stevens, who defended Christie, said: “It is quite clear that this is an area that he feels incredibly strongly about.

“He was motivated by a pure and sincere belief.

“He regrets that he pulled up those plants.”

Christie requested to address the court directly and he used his time to speak about the dangers of GM.

He said: “We are not anti-science. All we ask for is long term, independent studies to show it is safe for the environment and for us to eat.

“I have tried every angle to get this out there.

“I feel my livelihood and way of life is seriously under threat which is why I felt I had to do it.

“I won’t be doing anything like it again. I probably won’t even go on another protest.

“I just feel passionate about it.”

He also showed the court a potato and a plant that have been grown using a natural alternative to the affect scientists are trying to achieve with GM.

During the case there was a debate about the actual extent of the damage caused.

There have been two previous hearings for the case during which the amount has been increased to £51,900 and then lowered again.

Speaking before the trial Christie said: “At the end of the day I would have to be superman to do that damage. The ground was solid.

“I’m a farmer, I know how it works.

“This is crunch time. Either we fight it now or in a year or two it will be too late and this country will be covered in GM crops.”

When handing out Christie’s sentence Mrs Muton, the chairman of court, said: “I have taken into account your record which is unblemished and your good character.”

Christie was spared a community order due to his early plea but was ordered to pay a fine of £4,300.

This includes £3,850 compensation to Rothamsted Research.

Speaking after the trial Christie said that he is yet to decide whether he will pay the fine.

He said: “I am going to have to sleep on it and think what I am going to do.

“I need to talk to my friends about it.”