Just Stop Oil Heathrow Protesters Found Guilty Of Plotting Disruption At Airport
Eight Just Stop Oil (JSO) campaigners have been found guilty of trying to bring Heathrow Airport to a standstill on one of the busiest travel days of the year.
The Heathrow 10 – one member of the group did not stand trial as he previously pleaded guilty and one was found not guilty at trial – were part of an “international uprising” by JSO over two days in 10 countries last July, the court heard. JSO dubbed the Heathrow disruption Operation Jackal.
Isleworth Crown Court heard that the group intended to cause mass disruption by gluing themselves to the runway and planes but the group denied this, claiming it was a symbolic protest to highlight climate crisis.
Seven of the group were arrested on bikes as they approached Heathrow’s perimeter on 24 July in possession of bolt cutters, super glue and cable ties.
A further two members were arrested at a safe house and one on a canal boat in North London later that day.
Rosa Hicks, William Goldring, Luke Elson, Luke Watson, Hannah Schafer, Sally Davidson, Sean Ciaran O’Callaghan and Adam Beard were all found guilty of conspiracy to cause public nuisance. They will be sentenced on 16 May.
Julia Mercer was found not guilty.
Specialist protest lawyers from Hodge Jones & Allen represent Rosa Hicks, Luke Watson and Hannah Schafer.
Francesca Cociani, from Hodge Jones & Allen said: “It is deeply regrettable that the jury reached today’s verdict but we will await the sentencing before deciding any potential course of action. I hope that the recent harsh jail sentences for JSO protesters have no bearing on what punishment the court decides to hand down to my client, especially as no disruption was carried out. I can only hope that common sense prevails.”
A tenth defendant Rory Wilson had previously pleaded guilty to causing a public nuisance at UK airports.
Charles McCombe, from 3 Raymond Buildings, and Grace Cowell of 1 Pump Court were instructed by Hodge Jones & Allen to act for the clients at the trial.
