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Plane Stupid activists told to 'expect jail' after Heathrow protest | Plane Stupid activists told to 'expect jail' after Heathrow protest |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Thirteen activists who cut through a fence at Heathrow Airport and chained themselves together on a runway have been told to "expect jail sentences". | Thirteen activists who cut through a fence at Heathrow Airport and chained themselves together on a runway have been told to "expect jail sentences". |
The protesters, part of action group Plane Stupid, were found guilty at Willesden Magistrates' Court of aggravated trespass and entering a security restricted area. | The protesters, part of action group Plane Stupid, were found guilty at Willesden Magistrates' Court of aggravated trespass and entering a security restricted area. |
They oppose Heathrow's planned expansion and its environmental impact. | |
Twenty-five flights were cancelled after the protest on 13 July last year. | Twenty-five flights were cancelled after the protest on 13 July last year. |
District Judge Deborah Wright said all of the defendants were people of integrity who were concerned about climate change and Heathrow expansion. | |
But she said the cost of the disruption had been "absolutely astronomical". | But she said the cost of the disruption had been "absolutely astronomical". |
When the verdict was read out one person yelled "this is a farce" and another shouted "shame on you" at the judge. | When the verdict was read out one person yelled "this is a farce" and another shouted "shame on you" at the judge. |
The activists previously admitted to being on the runway but said such action was necessary to stop people dying from the effects of pollution and climate change. | The activists previously admitted to being on the runway but said such action was necessary to stop people dying from the effects of pollution and climate change. |
Supt Andy Jones, of the Metropolitan Police, said: "When protestors encroach into the airside environment they not only cause major disruption but also significant danger to themselves and aircraft. | |
"These convictions send out a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated." | |
'Sincere beliefs' | |
Owen Greenhall, representing five of the demonstrators, said they were "honest, sincere in their beliefs and genuine in their intentions". | Owen Greenhall, representing five of the demonstrators, said they were "honest, sincere in their beliefs and genuine in their intentions". |
Plane Stupid issued a statement saying: "When the democratic, legislative processes have failed it takes the actions of ordinary people to change them. | |
"Climate change and air pollution from Heathrow are killing people now and the government's response is to spend millions making the problem bigger." | |
But Rob Gray, director of the Back Heathrow campaign, said the protesters' actions were "undemocratic". | |
"Plane Stupid do not represent the majority of local residents who want to see a bigger, better Heathrow - or the millions of people who simply want to use the airport uninterrupted and unmolested." | |
The protestors will be sentenced on 24 February. | |
The defendants: | The defendants: |
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