Fuel Chaos: Four Charged After Petrol Station Protest Rampage
Nathan McGovern (22), Amber Alexander (18), Louis Hawkins (22), and Rosa Sharkey (22) have been hit with charges of criminal damage exceeding £5,000. They were arrested following a brazen protest at Cobham and Clacket Lane Services that wreaked havoc on petrol pumps and blocked motorists from filling up.
Petrol Pumps Smashed, Protesters Glue Themselves to Forecourt
Officers were called just after 7am on Thursday 28 April after reports of a large group of protesters gluing themselves to petrol pumps, signs, and vehicles at two service stations. Police describe the scene as chaotic, with protesters blocking access and damaging a total of 55 pumps — 35 at Cobham Services and 20 at Clacket Lane. Notably, the HGV pumps were left untouched and remained open.
Strict Bail Conditions for the Ringleaders
The four defendants appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on 29 April but were released on police bail under strict conditions:
- Nathan McGovern must wear an electronic tag, live at White Horse Lane, Tower Hamlets, and avoid Surrey except for court. He’s banned from any petrol station or obstructing access in England and Wales and cannot associate with co-defendants except for court or solicitor meetings.
- Amber Alexander must live at Withdean Court, Brighton, and follow identical restrictions on petrol stations and Surrey access. She also cannot associate with certain co-defendants outside legal meetings.
- Louis Hawkins and Rosa Sharkey, both from Dewe Road, Brighton, face similar bans on petrol stations and Surrey entry, must reside at their addresses, and are barred from associating with specific co-defendants.
Police Blast Protest Disruption
“We appreciate that this caused considerable disruption to motorists and substantial financial loss to the petrol stations. While peaceful protest is allowed, we take action against those breaking the law and disrupting others’ lives,” said Superintendent Graham Barnett. “Resources tied up dealing with these protests mean less police availability elsewhere for crime prevention and rapid response.”
Four other suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues into the costly petrol station chaos sparked by the Just Stop Oil protest.
