Jail for ‘Stupid’ protesters?

Protesters from the ‘Plane Stupid’ action group are likely to live up to their name and finish up in prison if District Judge Deborah Wright has her way. 

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.  They oppose Heathrow's planned expansion and its environmental impact. Twenty-five flights were cancelled after the protest on 13 July last year.

Judge Wright said the cost of the disruption had been "absolutely astronomical".

Andy Jones, superintendent 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."

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. www.backheathrow.org www.planestupid.com

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