Up: Martin Poulter > Scientology Criticism > UK Media Archive
SUNDAY SUN 19/03/95 - [headline unknown] Recalling his last two years on bail, Steve said: "I had been told to expect a jail sentence of 12 months at the worst. "I had butterflies in my stomach when the jury came in with their verdicts. I was sick with nerves. WAITING "I knew my solicitor back home had received a letter in 1992 from Kathleen's solicitors saying she was taking me to court for damages. "Now I'm just waiting for the bad news that the case is reopened." Steve, who used to share a flat in Bognor, Sussex, with Lorna and Kathleen, said he did not regret what he had done. He insisted that he was just "trying to help." "I was worried for Kathleen's safety. I saw what I did as more of a rescue attempt than a kidnap." Steve will be represented in any civil action by solicitor Martin Grove, of Skelton, Cleveland. A spokeswoman for the law firm said: "I can confirm that we are in receipt of papers which show Kathleen Wilson is claiming civil damages from Stephen Cooper." Meanwhile, former shoe shop assistant Kathleen is still living at the Scientology HQ. She works there from 9am until 10pm, six days a week for a wage of £33. She told the jury how she underwent a process called "auditing" when she first joined the sect, revealing secrets about her life while holding an electronic machine called an E Meter. From the cult headquarters, she said she planned to consult solicitors about reopening her civil case. The law firm - Peter Hodkin and Co - normally represent the English Church of Scientology. RIDICULED Kathleen said: "I feel I've been ridiculed. "I am taking legal action against Stephen Cooper for the trauma he caused me, physically and mentally. "I have to find out from my solicitor how much compensation I could hope to win. "It's going to be done because the true information needs to be brought out in the open. "People should be free to do what they want with their lives and allowed to believe what they want to believe. "It's not me who should feel guilty. "It's not about the money. We are not an evil cult. We are just the opposite. "I'm doing this off my own back but the Scientologists are helping me." Kathleen and her mum Margaret had an emotional reunion during the court case. Kathleen, sitting in the public gallery, walked over to Margaret and gave her a hug. The pair then spent 10 minutes in a waiting room, chatting for the first time in two and a half years. But now Kathleen claims her mum has constantly "nagged" her since childhood. "I think she wants total control of my life. "All I want is for her to accept me as I am and agree that I can choose my own life and my own religion. "I don't care what people with Rottweiler dogs try to tell me; I know my own mind better than they do." SUPPORT Church of Scientology spokesman Peter Mansell said: "We fully support Kathleen and her legal action. She is using the solicitors who normally act for us. "This case isn't just important for us, it's important for everybody who wants freedom of choice."
Up: Martin Poulter > Scientology Criticism > UK Media Archive