Five individuals, alleged members of the climate activist group Just Stop Oil, face charges for planning to disrupt Manchester Airport operations by gluing themselves to taxiways.
Five protesters planned to disrupt Manchester Airport operations by gluing themselves to taxiways, prosecutors allege. Daniel Knorr, 22, Leonorah Ward, 22, Indigo Rumbelow, 30, Margaret Reid, 54, and Noah Crane, 19, all deny conspiring to intentionally cause public nuisance at the airport on August 5 last year. Four members of the group were apprehended as they allegedly made their way to the airport from Gatley in the early hours of the morning.
A search revealed they possessed angle grinders, bolt cutters, superglue, sand, and banners with slogans like 'Oil Kills,' according to Minshull Street Crown Court. Mr. Crane, who was not with the group, is accused of purchasing four phones intended to 'live stream' the incident. The court was informed that if successful, their actions would have caused significant disruption to arriving and departing flights, resulting in substantial costs. Prosecutor Henry Blackshaw stated that each defendant is part of the 'Just Stop Oil' protest group, known for employing disruptive tactics to draw attention to their cause: reducing oil extraction and consumption due to concerns about its role in climate change. While he acknowledged the importance of peaceful protests in a democracy, he argued that the group's intended actions were not a lawful or legitimate protest. The court heard that on August 3, Mr. Crane purchased four second-hand smartphones in Birmingham for £654. These phones were later recovered from the other group members in Manchester, with active SIM cards that showed travel from Birmingham to Leamington Spa before proceeding north to Stockport. An Airbnb booking was made the day before for a 'Lovely 4 bed house' in Gatley, with an arrival between 3 pm and 5 pm on August 3 and a departure by 11 am on August 5. Around 4:25 am on August 5, Mr. Knorr, Ms. Rumbelow, Ms. Reid, and Ms. Ward were observed walking towards a Nissan Micra registered to a known associate of the group. One of them threw the key under a parked car, leading to their subsequent arrest after being stopped and searched. The prosecutor explained that the group likely intended to use this car to transport themselves and their equipment to the airport. A Google Maps route found on Ms. Ward's phone indicated a path from their Airbnb in Gatley via Wilmslow to a location on the South-West side of the airport, potentially providing an access point to the less busy perimeter fence, chosen to maximize their chances of breaching it. Upon arrest, each member of the group was searched. Mr. Knorr had an angle grinder, safety gloves and glasses, superglue, and a bag of sand. Ms. Rumbelow possessed a bag of sand, an 'Oil Kills' banner, and two bottles of superglue. Ms. Reid had a 'Stop the Treaty' sign, cable ties, and earplugs, while Ms. Ward had bolt croppers, industrial-grade superglue, and a Just Stop Oil vest. Mr. Crane was apprehended later that day at a house share in Birmingham. His name and those of Mr. Knorr and Ms. Ward were labeled on three of the bedrooms. Posters of upcoming marches and Just Stop Oil banners adorned the communal areas, according to Mr. Blackshaw.In interviews, Mr. Knorr declined to admit or deny the offense, providing a prepared statement on the government's response to climate change. Ms. Rumbelow and Ms. Reid each gave political statements concerning climate change. Ms. Ward admitted understanding the reason for her arrest, stating her intention to enter the Manchester Airport airfield and 'glue herself' to the taxiway to disrupt passenger flights and departing planes. She expressed regret for their failed attempt, believing it necessary and proportionate due to the climate emergency. Mr. Crane remained silent during his interview. It is anticipated that Mr. Knorr, Ms. Rumbelow, Ms. Reid, and Ms. Ward will deny their intended actions would have caused a public nuisance, arguing they weren't calculated to cause disruption and were for 'peaceful protest,' justified by the nature of their cause
JUST STOP OIL PROTEST MANCHESTER AIRPORT PUBLIC NUISANCE CLIMATE CHANGE
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Five ways to better manage your energy to stop you feeling frazzledWomen's voices and women's lives - topical conversations to inform, challenge and inspire.
Read more »
Bristol GP sent to prison for role in Just Stop Oil protestDr Patrick Hart, 38, caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to a fuel station pumps.
Read more »
Five reasons you should stop using your phone when you wake upWhy reducing your screen time in the morning should be at the top of your 2025 resolution list.
Read more »
Just Stop Oil Protestors Deface Darwin's GraveJust Stop Oil protestors targeted Charles Darwin's grave in Westminster Abbey, spray-painting the slogan '1.5 is dead' to highlight the urgency of the climate crisis.
Read more »
Just Stop Oil supporters spray-paint ‘1.5 is dead’ on Charles Darwin’s graveThe action followed confirmation that 2024 was the first year in which the average temperature exceeded 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.
Read more »
How Tottenham Can Stop Arsenal's Title Bid: Five Tactical KeysSpurs can exploit Arsenal's weaknesses by capitalizing on defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the backline. Tottenham's tactical approach, featuring underlapping fullbacks and a focus on possession play, can be effective against Arsenal's defensive structure.
Read more »