Nine activists from Just Stop Oil (JSO) have avoided jail time after being convicted of conspiracy to cause public nuisance for plotting to glue themselves to a runway at Heathrow Airport. The campaigners were spared jail after either serving their time or receiving suspended sentences following a trial where they were accused of planning to cause “unprecedented disruption” at the airport in West London on July 24.
During the trial at Isleworth Crown Court, Judge Hannah Duncan noted that the defendants had not breached the perimeter fence or caused any actual harm or disruption. Despite this, she criticized them for showing “no remorse” for their actions. The activists had been arrested after video footage shared on JSO’s social media feed showed individuals cycling near a barbed wire fence close to planes before being approached by officers.
The arrested activists included Sally Davidson, Adam Beard, Luke Elson, Luke Watson, Sean O’Callaghan, Hannah Schafer, Rory Wilson, as well as organizers Rosa Hicks and William Goldring. Judge Duncan admonished the defendants for treating their trial as an extension of their protest, emphasizing that the courtroom is not a place for publicity stunts. She highlighted the importance of the court system for vulnerable individuals seeking justice, criticizing the activists for dragging out proceedings and lying about their actions to gain more attention.
The judge pointed out that while their behavior did not impact their sentencing, it did demonstrate their lack of remorse and accountability. She highlighted the serious nature of the crimes tried in court, including cases involving abused women and children. Judge Duncan concluded by reprimanding the activists for their actions, which she felt disrespected the legal process and the individuals seeking justice within it
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