In a surprising turn of events, a Just Stop Oil supporter, Stephen Gingell, has been sentenced to six months in prison following his participation in a peaceful protest march. The sentence was handed down at Manchester Magistrates Court on Thursday, 14th December 2023, by Judge Mitchell. Gingell, a 57-year-old business owner and father of three from Manchester, was found guilty of breaching Section 7 of the Public Order Act.
On November 13, 2023, Gingell was arrested in London for his involvement in a slow march with about 40 other protesters. The group spent approximately 30 minutes on a road in North London, causing disruption. After pleading guilty in November at Wimbledon Magistrates Court, London, Gingell’s case was transferred to Manchester for sentencing.
Before joining the protest with Just Stop Oil, Gingell expressed his concerns about the future of his children, stating, “I’ve got no choice, I’ve got three lovely children, what future are they going to have? I really fear for their lives.”
