Plane Stupid protestor: 'I blocked Heathrow runway to save the world'
A CLIMATE change activist accused of blockading a runway at Heathrow in protest against a third runway claimed yesterday he did it to save lives.
Nine of the thrirteen "Plane Stupid" activists
Thirteen members of the protest group Plane Stupid cut a hole in a fence and chained themselves to railings on the north runway in July last year, a court heard.
I’m sorry for the disruption it caused
Tree surgeon Sam Sender, 23, told magistrates he was “trying to save lives” by putting the runway out of action.
He said: “I’m sorry for the disruption it caused.” All 13 deny charges of aggravated trespass and entering a security-restricted area.
Natalie Bennett is also against the building of a third runway
A number of flights had to be cancelled as a result of the protest
Green Party leader Natalie Bennett joined dozens of protesters outside Willesden magistrates court in north London.
Philip McGhee, prosecuting, said: “These 13 defendants passed through a perimeter fence that had been cut, breaching airport security.
They got on to the northern runway and began the demo.”
Some defendants laughed as Mr McGhee described how one defendant, Cameron Kaye, 23, of West Drayton, London, was wearing a white polar bear suit and attached himself to the top of scaffolding.
Demonstrators chained themselves to the runway fences
UK: Activists distrupt Heathrow airport, 13 flights cancelled
The defendants could be heard singing “we don’t want no runway” in a police video played to the court.
Another defendant, Ella Gilbert, 23, of Norwich, a freelance science journal editor, insisted there was “no real alternative to action”.
The protest delayed passengers as 25 flights had to be cancelled.
It came after a longawaited report recommended a new runway should be built at Heathrow instead of Gatwick. The trial continues.