The campaign to clear the name of the man dubbed the Metric Martyr is set to continue ahead of an expected u-turn by the European Union.
In 2001, Sunderland greengrocer Steve Thoburn hit the headlines when convicted showing only imperial weights on his in-store scales.
The UK has been preparing to phase out imperial measurements, but the EU is expected to allow traders to continue using pounds, miles and pints.
Campaigners now say Thoburn, who died in 2004 deserves a posthumous pardon - although the new EU decision would possibly not have affected the circumstances of his offence.
Thoburn was convicted of breaching the Weights and Measures Act 1985 and given a six-month conditional discharge.
The Metric Martyr group's appeals were rejected all the way up to the House of Lords and, in February 2004, by the European Court of Human Rights. Thoburn died of a heart attack the following month.
The European Commission will announce today, it is thought, it is leaving all future decisions on weights and measurements to the British government.
The Metric Martyrs claim victory for their campaign to clear Thoburn's name, although it will still be illegal to use imperial-only scales.
"If [Steve] was here today he would see the EU's announcement as a great cause for celebration. It's a tragedy that he sadly isn't with us,” said Neil Heron, campaign director.
"If imperial measurements ever die away in this country, they should do so organically - not by threat and compulsion.
"The campaign still has to be brought to its natural conclusion - a full pardon."
No comments yet