Five market traders, dubbed "metric martyrs" by their
supporters, were greeted with applause as they began the latest round of
their legal battle.
The quintet, from London, Surrey, Wearside and Cornwall, is fighting to
continue trading in pounds and ounces.
The five men, who are contesting convictions and court orders, say the
1985 Weights and Measures Act authorises them to continue using imperial
weights.
Around 200 protesters waved placards and banners demanding "Keep our
lb" and sold fruit in imperial measures as the men entered court in London
on Tuesday.
Landmark case
They are backed by celebrities including singer Elaine Paige, actor
Edward Fox, and Lord Tebbit.
Mr Fox, star of Day of the Jackal and Gandhi, said: "I am here simply
as a supporter of the Metric Martyrs' cause. I believe it is such an
important issue for the people of Britain."
Lawyers representing the traders argue their cases are of
constitutional importance, and mark a landmark case in the balance of
power between the UK joined the European Community.
Steven Thoburn, from Sunderland, was fined for selling bananas by the
pound.
Brussels sprouts
John Dove, of Camelford, Cornwall, was ordered to pay court costs for
selling mackerel at £1.50 a pound and Julian Harman, also of Camelford,
was ordered to pay costs for selling Brussels sprouts by the pound.
Colin Hunt, of Hackney, east London, was given a 12-month conditional
discharge for pricing pumpkins and other vegetables by the pound.
Trader Peter Collins, of Sutton, Surrey, had his licence revoked for
selling in imperial measures.
The biggest available courtroom in the Royal Courts of Justice in
London has been set aside for the hearing, which could last up to five
days.
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