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Anti-fracking activist Tina Rothery spared £55k legal bill | Anti-fracking activist Tina Rothery spared £55k legal bill |
(about 14 hours later) | |
An anti-fracking campaigner who failed to comply with the courts has been spared a £55,000 legal bill. | An anti-fracking campaigner who failed to comply with the courts has been spared a £55,000 legal bill. |
Tina Rothery was issued the bill by Energy firm Cuadrilla after taking part in a three-week protest in 2014 at a field in Lancashire earmarked for shale gas exploration. | |
She initially refused to provide her financial details "on principle" and was found in contempt of court. | She initially refused to provide her financial details "on principle" and was found in contempt of court. |
She has now provided details. Cuadrilla decided not to pursue costs for now. | |
A hearing at Preston Crown Court heard she had no money or assets. | |
The mother-of-one said she was "delighted" as she left the court to the cheers of 150 fellow protestors. | |
Ms Rothery was hit with the £55,000 bill after opposing an injunction by the company and landowners by occupying land near Blackpool. | |
The activist told earlier hearings she would defend her actions but then failed to provide a defence at subsequent hearings. | |
She was found in contempt after declining to provide the court with details of how she would pay the bill. | |
The 54-year-old eventually complied after being warned she could face a 14-day prison sentence. | The 54-year-old eventually complied after being warned she could face a 14-day prison sentence. |
Cuadrilla said it would not pursue costs while she "clearly has no assets to make any payment." | Cuadrilla said it would not pursue costs while she "clearly has no assets to make any payment." |
But the firm said it would review the case should Ms Rothery's "financial circumstances change". | |
Prior to the hearing, Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson and fashion designer Vivienne Westwood called on the company to drop the case. | Prior to the hearing, Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson and fashion designer Vivienne Westwood called on the company to drop the case. |
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