Extinction Rebellion Activists Acquitted After Protest Involving Fake Blood on Treasury
In a legal verdict that has garnered attention, five Extinction Rebellion activists have been acquitted for their involvement in a high-profile protest during which fake blood was sprayed on the façade of the Treasury using a second-hand fire engine. The incident, which took place on October 3, 2019, aimed to draw attention to environmental issues but resulted in unintended consequences.
The Extinction Rebellion activists had attempted to douse the front of the Treasury, located in Horseguards, with 1,800 litres of fake blood as a dramatic protest. However, during the attempt, they lost control of the hose, causing the red dye to cause substantial damage estimated to cost at least £16,000 to repair.
During the trial, six defendants faced charges related to conspiracy to commit criminal damage. However, in a recent court decision at Southwark Crown Court, five of the defendants were acquitted, with one defendant’s case left undecided.
Richard Garfit-Mottram, a 66-year-old from Hackney, expressed his delight at the verdict, declaring, “Not guilty, on yer way.
The acquitted activists included Richard Garfit-Mottram, Molly Lipson (29), Daniel Blackmore (32), Liam Norton (39), and Cathy Eastburn (56). The jury was unable to reach a verdict for the sixth defendant, Joel Scott Halkes (41). Judge Justin Cole determined that it was not in the public interest for Halkes to face a retrial.
Following their acquittal, the defendants delivered a joint statement in which they declared the courtroom a “crime scene” and unfurled crime scene tape. They emphasized that the verdict should mark a turning point in British history, urging authorities to cease prosecuting protesters and instead focus on addressing the alleged wrongdoings of government officials.
Cathy Eastburn, a musician from South London, commented on her involvement in the protest, stating, “I’m proud to have taken part in this powerfully symbolic and memorable action, which shone a spotlight on the Treasury’s financing of fossil fuel projects around the world.” She expressed her concern for the future and the need to combat climate change for the sake of her children.
One individual involved in the protest, Mark Ovland (40), who drove the fire engine, admitted to conspiracy to commit criminal damage and will face sentencing at the same court on November 24.
Additionally, the Crown Prosecution Service revealed that activists Diana Warner, Joel Scott-Halkes, Arainn Justin Hawker, and Philip Kingston have accepted a 12-month binding over order, which prohibits them from using spray paint on buildings as a form of protest. Failure to comply with this order could result in a return to court and a £2,000 fine.
The verdict has generated discussions about the boundaries of protest and the importance of addressing climate change while considering the impact of such demonstrations on public property.
