Just Stop Oil supporters found not guilty in petrol pump case - eviltoast

On 28 April 2022, Just Stop Oil supporters blocked the entrances to Clacket Lane Services on the M25 by sitting in the road with Just Stop Oil banners. They also decommissioned the petrol pumps by breaking the display glass and covering it with spray paint. This action was taken in support of their demand for the UK government to end all new oil and gas projects in the country.

In a unanimous verdict delivered today by a jury at Guildford Crown Court, Just Stop Oil supporters Nathan McGovern, Rosa Sharkey, and Louis Hawkins were found not guilty of causing criminal damage.

Any jury may consider that the law itself is unjust. It is an important principle and indicates public opposition to aspects of law, in this case, the ‘lawful’ behaviour of fossil fuel corporations.