Two Just Stop Oil supporters who disrupted the Gallagher Premiership Rugby final in May 2023 were acquitted today at Kingston Crown Court. The unanimous 12-member jury found Samuel Johnson and Dr. Patrick Hart not guilty of the charge of criminal damage exceeding £5,000.
On May 27, 2023, the two supporters stormed the pitch at Twickenham during the match between the Saracens and Sale Sharks, releasing a cloud of cornstarch-based orange powder paint. Their protest aimed to demand an immediate halt to any new licences for oil, gas, and coal projects in the UK.
Dr. Patrick Hart, a 38-year-old GP from Bristol, expressed his motivations after the verdict:
“Normal people recognize that civil resistance is absolutely essential to break through the lies of the politicians, fossil fuel companies, and banks who are destroying life on earth. I told the jury that I am taking the most effective action I can, on the best available evidence, to protect the health of my patients. To put it simply: I am doing my duty as a doctor.”
During the trial, the prosecution relied heavily on the detailed, hours-long testimony of the groundskeeper, who explained that Twickenham’s hybrid grass system, which combines natural grass with synthetic plastic grass, made the cleanup more complex compared to other venues. However, the testimony did not establish that ordinary people would have known these intricacies, making it difficult for the prosecution to prove criminal intent to cause the alleged damage.
Sam Johnson, a 41-year-old construction worker from Essex, commented on the outcome:
“A year ago, Patrick and I ran onto Twickenham during the Premiership final, throwing orange powder in the air. Today, we have been found not guilty of criminal damage. I took part in this action because our politicians continue to issue licences, knowing full well it will result in the deaths of millions of people. Thousands have died due to extreme heat brought on by climate change while we were on trial. This is happening now!”
Just Stop Oil supporters emphasize the urgency of their actions, calling for continued civil resistance until political leaders take substantial measures to address climate change. The group has announced that this summer, airports will be declared sites of civil resistance. They urge individuals to sign up and join their cause at juststopoil.org.
