A judge who convicted environmental campaigners of blockading a fuel terminal has appeared to sympathise with their cause by telling them they should ‘feel guilty for nothing’.
Darlington student Jon Deery was among seven Just Stop Oil supporters found guilty of aggravated trespass following a trial at Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court last week.
The 22-year-old was one of 13 people who blockaded the Esso Fuel Terminal in Birmingham in April and he was sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge and made to pay £250 costs.
Read more: Police find body in the search for missing mum-of-two Nicola Bulley
The court heard Just Stop Oil peacefully blockaded the entrance to the Esso Fuel Depot, owned and operated by Exxon Mobil, and stopped distribution for nearly 12 hours.
Sentencing District Judge Graham Wilkinson reportedly said: “It's abundantly clear that you are all good people.
“It's unarguable that man-made global warming is real and we are facing a climate emergency.
“Your aims are ably and genuinely articulated and are supported by the science. “When the United Nations Secretary General gives a speech saying that the activity of fossil fuel companies are incompatible with human survival, we should all be very aware of the need for change.”
To get more stories direct to your email basket go here
The judge said he found the evidence of defendants ‘deeply moving’.
He said: “No-one can criticise your motivations.
“The tragedy is that good people have felt so much without hope, that you feel you have to come into conflict with the criminal justice system.”
“Thank you for opening my eyes to certain things”
“I say this, and I mean this sadly, I have to convict you.
“You should feel guilty for nothing. You should feel proud that you care, have concern for the future. I urge you not to break the law again. Good luck to all of you.”
Read next:
- Fears as 'thousands of litres' of oil leak from school as river tests are awaited
- How quick action of brave Darlington boy, 6, saved father's life after heart attack
- Fancy 'carbon-neutral' steakhouse announces opening date for first North East venue
Get more from The Northern Echo. Save 20% on a Premium Plus digital subscription this month. Click here
Since the Just Stop Oil campaign launched on the February 14 last year and the group said there have been over 2,000 arrests with 138 people having spent time in prison.
A spokesperson for Just Stop Oil said: “The law is failing us. The wrong people are being criminalised.
“We know that we’re on course for catastrophic climate breakdown because of our continued burning of fossil fuels.
“The fossil fuel companies and the governments supporting their deadly interests are the real criminals – not those who are doing everything they non-violently can to prevent disaster.
“In the face of this reality, disruptive civil resistance is now inevitable and justified, and it will continue until the government changes course.
“Our families, communities, our country and civilisation are on the cliff edge of destruction, and we refuse to stand by.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel