Value of GM crop

In a trial alleging criminal damage to a crop of genetically modified (GM) maize, it was agreed that the forum depended on the value of the crop ie jury trial only available when the lost value was clearly more than £5,000. As the evidence showed that the maize was grown as part of a development measure with a large investment of costs, but the commercial value was uncertain as it could not be sold on the open market, it was held that the action could be tried either way.