Construction union UCATT have warmly welcomed the decision that blacklister Ian Kerr will be sent for sentencing in a Crown Court.

Mr Kerr pleaded guilty but failed to attend Macclesfield Magistrates Court in person.

However the Magistrates decided against sentencing Mr Kerr because they said the maximum fine of £5,000 they could levy was "wholly inadequate". The case has now been transferred to the Crown Court where Mr Kerr could face an unlimited fine.

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Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of UCATT, described Mr Kerr's failure to attend as "gutless" and "showing contempt for justice".

Mr Ritchie said: "The magistrates decision should be applauded. Mr Kerr set out to ruin construction workers' lives. He deserves the maximum possible sentence."

Blacklisting is not currently illegal, although the Government is pledged to resolve the matter this autumn. Mr Kerr was charged for offences under the Data Protection Act.

For further information visit: UCATT To Demonstrate At Blacklister's Trial

(CD/JM)