TWIN FALLS -- A Twin Falls podiatrist and anti-nuclear power activist has been convicted of battery and trespassing at a public meeting.

Peter Rickards was arrested in June while passing out leaflets at a public informational meeting put on by Alternate Energy Holdings Inc., which is seeking to build a nuclear power plant in Elmore County.

The meeting was held at the Glenns Ferry Opera House, which is privately owned by state Rep. Richard Wills, R-Glenns Ferry.

Rickards was accused of shoving Doug McConaughey, a former consultant for the energy company, while at the meeting.

Rickards said he will probably appeal the case, and that he feels the trespassing conviction sets a worrying precedent for similar meetings.

He faces up to six months in jail; sentencing is set for Jan. 12.