Cambridge Student Convicted for M25 Gantry Protest
Cressida Gethin, 22, a Cambridge University music student and Just Stop Oil activist, has been found guilty of causing a public nuisance after climbing a gantry over the M25 motorway.
Protest Highlights Record UK Heat
The daring stunt took place on July 20, 2022, when the UK hit a sweltering 40°C – its hottest temperature on record. Gethin scaled the gantry to spotlight the urgent climate crisis and push for government action on environmental issues.
Delays Hit Thousands, Star Witness Testifies
At Isleworth Crown Court, the jury convicted Gethin by a majority of 10 to 2 under the new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. Evidence revealed her protest delayed nearly 4,000 British Airways passengers.
BBC star Chris Packham gave explosive testimony, revealing he was stuck in traffic for four to five hours because of the protest chaos.
Climate Change Debate Blocked in Court
Gethin admitted her role but argued the disruption didn’t justify criminal charges. She asked whether the inconvenience was worth the potential policy impact.
Judge Hannah Duncan ruled that climate change evidence was irrelevant and barred it from the trial, limiting the jury to focus solely on the nuisance charge.
The 22-year-old faces sentencing on May 3. The case has sparked hot debate over protest rights versus public safety amid the climate emergency.
