Obstruction of the Highway - Guilty: 10/06/21

Outcome
Court date

Court:

 

City of London Magistrates

Hearing date:

 

10 June 2021

Bench (DJ or JPs)

 

Deputy D J Leake

Charged with:

 

Wilful Obstruction of Highway- Lambeth Bridge; Throwing a firework on 03-09-20

Represented by:

 

Zayd Ahmed, counsel instructed by Kelly’s ( Brighton)

Please outline key points in prosecution and defence cases.

 

AH was on north end of Lambeth Bridge with his Co-D, they appeared locked on to a metal post filled with concrete welded to a bicycle, which they laid on the road close to the pavement. Argument over whether they were causing the obstruction on the bridge as already full of protesters on bikes and on foot. Argument over whether they could hear police warning of arrest and request to move. AH said so noisy could not hear. Others locked on; noise of singing and angle grinders etc on body worn video of police. Helicopter footage of AH and Co-D holding ignited flare. AH knew he would protest that day, did not adapt the bike but knew it had been adapted and intended to have hand in pipe with Co-D. He could have moved but did not hear a request to move. He intended to remain until he felt he had made his protest but was removed . He did not tell officers grinding through the pipe he was not locked. He said when he entered the bridge one carriage way was clear but subsequently blocked by police. AH told the court of his 20 plus year history in environmental action, and his belief after XR 2019 protests that NVDA was the only way to get the ecological crisis noticed; his action was proportionate to the existential risk to the planet. Ziegler case relied upon by Defence for proportionality. Prosecution raised the location as an emergency route for ambulances from St Thomas Hospital nearby. In person evidence from PC Keeble, video evidence from arresting officer PC Shaw. Statement of CI Grace Blake-Turner (s9?) read to the court re helicopter footage

 

Was defence evidence submitted in writing?

 

Skeleton argument filed and a character witness statement was read.

 

 

Did defencewitness(es) give evidence in person? Were they cross-examined?

 AH gave evidence in person and was cross examined by Mrs Moore (CPS). Co Defendant gave evidence and was cross-examined.

 

What was the verdict?

 

Guilty of willful obstruction of the highway(no mention of firework offence)

What was the sentence?

 

2 months conditional discharge

What costs were awarded?

 

costs £200 ( CPS asked for £930/2), payable £10 per fortnight, victim SC £22

Please add anything else relevant.

 

Judge will give his reasons in writing, AH and his co-D agreed their solicitor could send this to XR when available. Judge seemed minded to give absolute discharge but felt this was inconsistent with a full trial. Defence Counsel  seemed to agree.