A woman from Brighton and another protester associated with Just Stop Oil have entered not guilty pleas in court, denying charges of causing over £52,000 in damage to private jets at Stansted Airport. The incident, involving the use of orange paint, led to flight disruptions and has brought attention to the environmental group’s methods.
Two individuals appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 22 June, facing allegations of criminal damage and interference with national infrastructure. It was alleged that they used angle grinders to breach an airport fence around 5am on Thursday, then proceeded onto a taxiway equipped with fire extinguishers filled with orange paint bearing the Just Stop Oil logo.
According to prosecutors, the cost of cleaning up the paint amounted to £52,000. However, the total damage, including repairs to the fence and additional security measures, has yet to be fully assessed.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the protest caused significant disruption, affecting thousands of passengers. A total of 75 flights were delayed for 38 minutes due to the incident. In addition to the charges of criminal damage and interference, the defendants also face accusations of aggravated trespass, for which they did not enter pleas.
Both individuals appeared via video link from Chelmsford police station. Despite their denials, they were remanded in custody and are set to appear at a plea and trial preparation hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday, 22 July. The decision to deny bail prompted an audible reaction from a supporter in the public gallery.
Just Stop Oil, a well-known environmental activist group, confirmed that its members had accessed the airfield and used fire extinguishers filled with orange paint to deface two aircraft. Essex Police supported this account, stating that two people were detained for damaging aircraft in a restricted area of the airfield.
In a statement, Just Stop Oil noted that a private jet associated with a prominent figure had landed at Stansted shortly before the protest. However, police clarified that the jet was not present during the alleged incidents.
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between environmental activists and authorities, with Just Stop Oil frequently staging dramatic actions to draw attention to climate issues. The group’s activities have sparked debates about balancing environmental advocacy with public safety and legal order.
As the legal proceedings unfold, they are likely to reignite discussions on the effectiveness and ethical implications of direct action in environmental activism. Both the aviation industry and activist groups are expected to closely monitor developments in this case, as it could set a precedent for handling similar incidents in the future.
In summary, the allegations against the two individuals represent a significant clash between environmental activism and legal boundaries. With the upcoming trial, the courts will not only determine the defendants’ guilt or innocence but may also influence the landscape of environmental protests in the UK. The case remains of great interest to those concerned with environmental advocacy and the enforcement of laws.
