In a further show of resistance, Michelle ‘Mitch’ Cadet-Rose, 56, from Chesterfield declined to appear in court at Birmingham today, where she was summoned for breaking the Kingsbury injunction. A warrant has been issued for her arrest. She said:
“Knowing what the science really says, I feel I have no choice but to put myself into this vulnerable position. It feels like it’s my duty to use my privilege to stand up and be counted.”
Victoria Lindsell, 66 from Warwickshire who declined to appear on Tuesday, has been fined £400, payable over 12 months for the same offence. Fines of between £350 and £700 and costs of £250 each were issued to Dr Tom Barber, 62, from Nottingham, Eilidh McFadden, 20, from West Lothian and Rev Tim Hewes, 71, from Wantage.
Rev Bill White, 67, from Cheshire and Peter Morgan, 73, from Birmingham who were brought to court from prison have both been released with no further order for time already served. They have been in prison at HMP Birmingham since 12th May. They received no fines, but were ordered to pay costs of £250 each.
Judge Rawlings said that in deciding sentencing for those that breached the injunction on 12th May he set aside past criminal convictions for protest activity (which would normally be an aggravating factor) by reference to the Cuadrilla vs Bowland 2020 Court of Appeal case whereby “A person who engages in acts of civil disobedience establishes a moral difference between herself/himself and ordinary law-breakers which it is right to take into account in determining what punishment is deserved.”
Just Stop Oil supporters are being charged and imprisoned for telling the truth about the government’s genocidal pursuit of new oil and gas. We have made a conscious choice to resist the destruction of humanity and we are prepared to accept the consequences. We don’t need you to feel sorry for us, we need you to join us, to step up and take action. Join our zoom calls at 7pm. It’s 2022 and the time to stand by has passed.
