Just Stop Oil activists jailed after M25 blocked

The judge said the court “accepts a conscientious motive may be a relevant consideration”.

However he said “your actions were disproportionate to your aims”.

He jailed George Simonson, 24, of Leeds, and 26-year-old Theresa Higginson of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, for two years.

Paul Bell, 24, of Exeter, was jailed for one year and 10 months, and he waved and blew kisses as he was led to the cells.

Gaie Delap, 77, of Bristol, and Paul Sousek, 73, of Bude in Cornwall were jailed for one year and eight months.

A sixth defendant, Daniel Johnson, 25, of Perth and Kinross in Scotland, given a 21-month prison sentence, suspended for two years and ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work.

The judge ordered that the activists’ climbing equipment, locks and banners be confiscated.

Francesca Cociani, from Hodge Jones & Allen – who represents Delap, Bell, Johnson, and Higginson, said: “Today’s decision to imprison peaceful protesters is a grave injustice and does not align with the UK’s professed values.

“Peaceful protest is a fundamental right and a vital tool for enacting positive societal change.

“Increasingly lengthy prison terms for these types of individuals were previously unseen and it sends a disturbing message in our liberal democracy.

“We are exploring our options, including the possibility of an appeal, to challenge this decision and to defend the fundamental right to peaceful protest.”