XR Legal Support Trial Observation
Court: City of London Mags
Hearing date: 24th October 2019
Bench (DJ or JPs): Judge
Charged with: Section 14
Plea: Guilty
Represented by: Birds
Outline of prosecution and defence cases:
On 17th April in Parliament Square refused to leave after being told s14 in place.
Defence accepted that he had heard the order and refused to leave.
Originally plead NG Wanted to be heard for his reasons why he did this. Changed plea to G.
Spoke very eloquently and movingly about his decades of campaigning, social action, setting up charities. Climate change has increased not decreased so it’s his moral duty to act
Was defense evidence submitted in writing? No
Did defense witness(es) give evidence in person? Were they cross-examined? Made a statement after the G plea from well of court.
Verdict: G – change of plea accepted
Sentence: CD eight months £20 victim surcharge
What costs were awarded? £85 costs
He made a long speech that was listened to with respect by the judge. He acknowledged that he didn’t really have a defence and considering he was represented by counsel and then changed his plea at the door of the court he could have expected a much heavier fine and costs and I was surprised that only £85 in costs was asked by the prosecution