Four members of the Just Stop Oil group have been found guilty after attempting to disrupt operations at Manchester Airport.
The activists, including Indigo Rumbelow, Ella Ward, Margaret Reid, and Daniel Knorr, were plotting to cut through metal fencing and glue themselves to the runway to gain media attention and halt airport activity.
Their plans were foiled when Greater Manchester Police arrested them on August 5, 2024.
The Arrest and Evidence Found
The group’s plan came to light when they were apprehended with the necessary tools to carry out their mission.
Authorities discovered heavy-duty bolt cutters, angle grinders, glue, sand, high-visibility vests, and a leaflet with instructions on how to interact with police.
One of the activists, Ward, even had a handwritten note explaining their objective to enter the airfield and alert the authorities about their protest.
Court Outcome and Reactions
The activists were found guilty of causing a public nuisance after a two-week trial at Minshull Street Crown Court.
They received widespread support from the Just Stop Oil group, who criticized the legal system for focusing on minor legalities while ignoring the more pressing issues of climate change.
Knorr, one of the convicted, pointed out that the activists were simply trying to warn the public of the impending disaster, which he felt was not being properly addressed by the authorities.
Sympathy and Backlash from Just Stop Oil
In their defense, Just Stop Oil released a statement condemning the trial and the legal system, claiming that it failed to understand the urgency of climate change.
The organization called for sympathy for those involved in prosecuting the activists, suggesting that the guilt over the environmental collapse would stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Noah Crane’s Role and Acquittal
Although Noah Crane, a 19-year-old from Birmingham, was initially arrested for allegedly buying phones to live-stream the protest, he was acquitted after the trial.
His arrest raised concerns about the legal treatment of young activists, as Crane had been held in custody for six months before the trial.
Manchester Airport’s Response
The authorities were quick to act on this threat, with Superintendent Helen Caldbeck praising the investigation that led to the arrests.
She emphasized the safety risks that these disruptions posed to the public, stressing the importance of preventing such attacks on airports.
Manchester Airport also expressed relief at the verdict, highlighting the severe consequences that could have unfolded if the activists had succeeded in their plan.
Final Thoughts from the Defendants and Airport Authorities
After the trial, the activists issued a statement accepting the jury’s decision.
They expressed regret over the time spent in custody but remained firm in their belief that their actions were justified due to the climate crisis.
Meanwhile, Rad Taylor, Director of Aerodrome Operations at Manchester Airport, reiterated that the airport’s number one priority is passenger safety.
He acknowledged the potential risks and disruptions that would have occurred had the activists succeeded in their plan.
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