Charges Dropped Against Greenpeace Activists Over Sunak Home Protest, Judge Cites Weak Evidence

Judge dismisses case against Greenpeace protesters who climbed Sunak's residence

Authorities claimed the ex-prime minister incurred nearly £3,000 in damages due to shattered roof tiles. However, the judge determined the proof was "extremely weak" and that it was unlikely any court would find them guilty.

Friday, September 20, 2024, 8:

A magistrate has dismissed the accusations against four Greenpeace protesters who climbed the residence of Rishi Sunak to demonstrate against the increase in oil and gas extraction in the North Sea.

They were taken into custody following their use of ladders and ropes to ascend the grade II-listed manor house in Kirby Sigston, close to Northallerton, in August of the previous year, where they hung black fabric over the North Yorkshire estate.

Amy Rugg-Easey, 33, Alexandra Wilson, 32, Mathieu Soete, 38, and Michael Grant, 64, were charged with damaging 15 roof tiles during their five-hour protest.

District Judge Adrian Lower determined that the evidence presented against the defendants was so weak that it was unlikely any court would find them guilty.

He announced that he would issue a complete verdict on November 11.

At York Magistrates' Court, it was stated by prosecutors that Mr. Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, incurred nearly £3,000 in repair costs.

However, defense attorney Owen Greenhall contended that there was no definitive proof that the damage to the roof occurred during the demonstration.

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During the proceedings, it was revealed that Malcolm Richardson, a seasoned roofer and supervisor, was tasked with examining the section of the roof that had been occupied by protesters. He found that 15 tiles required fixing.

In Mr. Richardson's testimony, it was revealed that out of the 15 photographs presented by the prosecution, three were of the same tile captured from various angles. Additionally, some photos were taken after Mr. Richardson had repositioned the tiles for repairs in November.

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Mr. Greenhall, the defense attorney, noted that there were damaged tiles on sections of the roof that the activists had not accessed and requested that the case be dismissed.

He informed the court, "It's evident that the roof already had damage in places that the protesters did not access."

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Discover further details on Sky News: Activists of Just Stop Oil cover Parliament Square in orange hue. What kind of protection is afforded to the prime minister? A new wind farm in Shetland has the potential to supply electricity to half a million homes.

Greenpeace stated that its protest was triggered by proposals to issue additional permits for the expansion of oil and gas exploration in the North Sea near Scotland.

Standing outside the courthouse, defendant Michael Grant remarked, "Today in court, justice and common sense won out, though that hasn't always been true for many activists of late."

"Nonviolent demonstrations are a crucial aspect of our democratic system."

He mentioned that the protesters chose to demonstrate at Mr. Sunak's residence as it was a direct response to his decision to approve additional fossil fuel permits. He further noted that they were aware that the former prime minister and his family were away on vacation when they staged the protest.

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