Just Stop Oil Protestors Convicted of Aggravated Trespass for Sondheim Theatre Stunt

Five Just Stop Oil protestors have been convicted of aggravated trespass after storming the stage of a West End theatre production.

The five were convicted on Friday, 19th April 2024, following a two-day trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court. They are:

• Hannah Taylor, 23, of Dronfield Woodhouse, Derbyshire;
• Lydia Gribbin, 28, of Bristol;
• Hanan Ameur, 22 of Islington, London; 
• Noah Crane, 18, of Buxton, Norfolk;
• Poppy Bliss, 19, of Nottingham.

Gribbin and Crane were also convicted of criminal damage, after walking on top of the orchestra pit's protective netting.

The trial was presided over by District Judge Briony Clarke.

I have previously written guides on the offences of aggravated trespass and criminal damage.

The offences took place at the Sondheim Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, on the evening of Thursday, 5th October 2023.

At around 9 pm, just before the interval of the evening's performance of Les Misérables, the five rose from their seats, clambered onto the stage and refused to leave.

Once there they unfurled Just Stop Oil banners and started shouting campaign messages towards the packed auditorium. They were also accused of "locking on" to various items of stage furniture.

Members of the 1,000-strong audience could be heard shouting their disapproval at the protestors, who occupied the stage for around an hour. Several audience members filmed the incident.

The Sondheim had to refund around £60,000 worth of ticket sales when the performance was abandoned halfway through. Damage to the netting cost an additional £2,000. The court heard that these costs had been covered by the theatre's insurance.

A photograph of the five with the caption "Found Guilty; Still Defiant" has been published on Just Stop Oil's social media channels this evening.

As often happens in Just Stop Oil cases, the basis of their defence is not immediately apparent. Based on reports of the initial hearing, it would seem that the defendants were clutching at straws to come up with any sort of defence.

Many Just Stop Oil defendants just like having their day in court, because it affords another opportunity to spread the group's climate crisis message.

The five will be sentenced next month.

Update (6/6/24): The five have now been sentenced.