Calls to overturn 'Shrewsbury 24' picket convictions

TV star Ricky Tomlinson today made an emotional appeal for 40-year-old convictions against 24 pickets from Shrewsbury to be overturned as he revealed details of the "injustice."

The Royle Family actor was close to tears as he recalled serving 16 months in jail for charges he insisted were politically motivated.

His son and grand-daughters had faced taunts because of his conviction, he said, which was one of the reasons he continued to press for the convictions to be quashed.

The so-called Shrewsbury 24 were arrested and charged under the 1875 Conspiracy Act, with six sent to prison.

Mr Tomlinson said the picketing in 1972 had been entirely peaceful, but the group of men were arrested five months later.

Jurors at their trial were wrongly told by a court usher that the men would only be fined £50, but prison sentences were handed down, he claimed.

Mr Renshaw, at 64 the youngest of the 24, four of whom have died, said he had been denied work because of his conviction and was not able to travel to countries such as the United States.