Five people have been convicted of aggravated trespass following the disruption of a Les Misérables performance at the Sondheim Theatre in central London. The incident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, October 4, when protesters halted the show at 9pm by entering the stage area.
Police were called to the scene, and local officers quickly responded, leading to the arrest and subsequent charging of the individuals involved. On April 19, 2024, they were found guilty of aggravated trespass at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Lydia Gribbin, of Sydenham Lane, and Noah Crane, of Aylsham Road, were additionally found guilty of criminal damage.
The convicted individuals were sentenced at the same court today (June 6) as follows:
- Hannah Taylor, 23, of Longcroft Road, Dronfield Woodhouse: Community Order 12 months with a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement; 100 hours unpaid work; £279 costs, and a £114 victim surcharge.
- Lydia Gribbin, 28, of Sydenham Lane, Cotham, Bristol: Community Order 12 months with a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement; 100 hours unpaid work; £279 costs, and a £114 victim surcharge.
- Hanan Ameur, 22, of Hornsey Road, N7: Community Order 12 months with a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement; 80 hours unpaid work; £279 costs, and a £114 victim surcharge.
- Noah Crane, 18, of Aylsham Road, Buxton: Community Order 12 months with 130 hours unpaid work; £279 costs, and a £114 victim surcharge.
- Poppy Bliss, 19, of School Lane, Thurston: Community Order 12 months with a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement; 80 hours unpaid work; £279 costs, and a £114 victim surcharge.
Detective Superintendent Sian Thomas, who led the investigation, commented: “The people in the audience on that evening had spent their hard-earned money and were entitled to enjoy an evening out before the disruptive actions of these individuals ruined it. We have been clear time and again that while we will always respect peaceful protest, when there is clear criminality – as is the case here – then we will make arrests and seek to prosecute those responsible.”
The disruption of the Les Misérables performance drew widespread condemnation, highlighting the delicate balance between the right to protest and the protection of public order.
