Heathrow Airport climate change protesters face months in jail and £3,500 fines EACH
THIRTEEN people have been charged with aggravated trespass after storming a runway at Heathrow Airport.
Police arrested the activists yesterday after they stormed the runway
Police arrested the environmental activists, from action group Plane Stupid, several hours after they entered the runway at 3.30am yesterday after cutting a hole in a fence.
A supporter of the group said protesters were campaigning against the airport's proposed expansion which has come under debate among MPs.
The activists, who have been charged with aggravated trespass and entering a security restricted area of an aerodrome, may have cost the airport millions of pounds after it was forced to cancel flights.
A total of 20 flights had to be cancelled while many others were delayed.
A spokeswoman for the airport said: "The safety of our passengers and the smooth running of the operation is paramount. Anyone who breaks the law and interferes with the safe operation of the airport can expect to face legal action.”
The 13 arrested range in age from 22 to 67 and come from all over the UK, with several from West Drayton, Heathrow's neighbour, while others are from as far away as Powys in Wales, Norfolk, Surrey and east London.
If found guilty they could be jailed for up to three months and a £2,500 fine for aggravated trespass, and fined up to £1,000 for aviation trespass.