A MOTHER who helped to destroy a genetically modified crop of experimental rape seed at a North-East farm defended her actions yesterday.

Lorraine Exley told Darlington Magistrates' Court that she was concerned about the effect the crop would have on the environment.

She said she acted to protect future generations and that her only concern was for the other people who helped to pull out the crops.

Mrs Exley is one of five people charged with criminal damage. They all deny the charge.

Her court appearance, with her 23-year-old daughter Zoe, Emma Henry, 22, Stephen Gordon, 26, and Hugh Baker, 26, relates to an incident on October 30 last year, when a crop at Hutton House Farm, Hutton Magna, near Barnard Castle, was damaged.

It was part of a controlled experiment to investigate herbicide resistance, overseen by AgrEvo UK Limited.

Mrs Exley said before the five decided to pull up the crop, she felt she had to warn the others about the affect a criminal conviction could have on their futures.

"I was concerned about the young ones and knew they had to feel it was important enough to take the risk," she said.

"But they all felt so strongly about this and said if they did not do it, it was possible they wouldn't have a future."

After they had pulled all the crops out, Mrs Exley said she was so concerned about the effects of the crop, that she destroyed her clothes.

The five were interrupted by the farmer, John Richardson, who had been celebrating his daughter's birthday.

The trial continues.