Two Just Stop Oil protesters who scaled M25 gantries in 2022 have been found guilty of public nuisance at Amersham Crown Court. Daniel Mifsud and a fellow activist took a bold stand against the UK government’s plans to approve over 100 new oil and gas projects.
M25 Protesters Guilty – Prison Looms
On 10 November 2022, Mifsud and his companion joined a wave of activists climbing motorway gantries to spotlight the climate crisis. After a five-day trial, Mr Recorder Nigel Sangster convicted them of intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance.
Sentencing is slated for 13 May 2026, with a stark warning from the judge that jail time is highly likely.
Climate Science Backs Protest Defence
The court accepted the protesters’ statutory defence of ‘reasonable excuse.’ They presented key climate evidence, including a 2020 peer-reviewed study warning that unchecked greenhouse gas emissions could render life nearly unliveable for 3.5 billion people. The report predicted an unprecedented humanitarian disaster and mass migration.
Daniel Mifsud’s Emotional Plea
“The year I climbed the gantry, my son Ezra was eight years old. Although climate change has been known about most of my life, it never defined me — until now. My deepest sadness is knowing his life will be shaped by severe and unavoidable climate consequences.”
“I acted on conscience. I could not explain to my son that I knew the risks and stayed silent. The issue is urgent, and doing nothing felt wrong.”
In his closing, Daniel said:
“I’m an ordinary parent and scientist, deeply concerned about an issue affecting us all. I wasn’t reckless or looking for a thrill. Petitions and marches failed. Warnings were ignored. I believed this was the only way to make the government listen. My son’s future is precious. I have a duty to protect him and generations to come.”
Just Stop Oil Triumphs, But Fight Goes On
In 2024, Just Stop Oil scored a win when the government halted its plans for new oil and gas projects. The group officially ended its campaign on 27 March 2025.
But the activists refuse to quit. They vow to continue fighting in courts, campaigning for climate prisoners, and launching new actions to save the planet.
