To think the judge was right to throw the book at Just Stop Oil?

[StripedPiggy]

Five Just Stop Oil activists, including leader & XR founder Roger Hallam have been sentenced to up to 5 years in jail for blocking the M25 & other main roads.
Their intention was to cause gridlock on roads in the South East. The disruption they caused resulted in people missing medical appointments, flights & business meetings.

Well done to that judge. The criminal justice system is right to pass serious sentences on these fanatics which will act as a strong deterrent to others who might try to cause mass disruption, and put people’s lives in danger, to further a political agenda, whatever it might be.

I do actually.

@Collexifon Obviously, being late for work and therefore not getting paid (because you may not be on a contract) is a huge big deal for poor people who were absolutely relying on that money.

And as has already been said, it's not just work is it? It's hospital appointments, interviews, travel connections, etc.

Why should a very small group of people be allowed to inflict this on so many? Why are they so selfish and conceited to think that everyone will get behind them and support their cause?

The police also have to act remove these protesters from being in the way. Stronger actions to remove them - super glued- just remove them. Blocking the way then tear gas. Prison shouldn’t be free. The criminals should pay for this out of their savings and assets and on release as well. No benefits ever for them on release. Crime shouldn’t pay.

Well they are a danger is ambulances can’t get past with a dying patient in the back.

Obstructing an emergency worker going about their job is a criminal offence. They repeatedly obstructed both ambulance and police, as well as all the other illegal disruption they caused. They got what they deserved. I have zero sympathy.

Yes rapists, child abusers etc should get harsher sentences. Everyone agrees with that. It doesn’t mean the sentences for JSO are wrong.

I’ll tell you what has encouraged me to make some changes - attending small talks by intelligent, passionate people who know what they’re talking about, practice what they preach, spread their message appropriately and offer realistic advice on small but impactful changes individuals can make. Not a bunch of hypocritical, jobless, feckless thicko’s that think causing mass disruption to ordinary people and destroying works of art is the way to effect change.

I wish it had been ten years not five.

Him and his kind are utterly deranged.

I agree it's dangerous and costing a lot of people a lot of money.

On the other hand, they clearly feel they need to do something so drastic to get some attention.

I watched The Suffraghete movie recently and they did similar because of how helpless they felt in being hurt.

We (governments) all say we agree with their cause but we carry on the same regardless.

Being heard*

Whilst I don’t agree with their actions at all this length of sentence seems ridiculous when compared to the sentencing for rape, assault, attempted kidnap etc.
For example the man just sentenced for planning to kidnap, rape and murder Holly Willoughby had attempted kidnap and then successfully kidnapped women previously and his sentences were 18 months suspended and then 2 years respectively.
I think there needs to be far better parity of sentencing with more weight being given to directly violent crime. This is even more important given the lack of prison spaces.
I wonder if this judge would be as harsh on men who kill their wives or is he just the usual reactionary privileged male who has his own agenda of what is and what is not important.

Well they won't enjoy prison so it will probably work and stop them reoffending!

It is a totally ridiculous sentence

Like what? Because right now nothing is working.

The judge agreed that climate change was real and a threat, but forbade the Jury from using it as mitigation. What a prat.

My sympathy for their methods was lost when they blocked public transport on the DLR, to the place with one of the lowest uses of cars to travel to work their is. Yet they never protest outside an SUV dealership or about those who drive half a mile to school.

If you think small changes and small talks are sufficient at this stage (when we’re already well on track to exceed 1.5c very shortly) then you’ve not listened to the science.

Quite.

And the snobbery around the protesters being jobless and calling them thick is right out of the Farage playbook

It's depressing

I cannot believe people want to see people go to jail for 5 years for causing a traffic jam.

And if you think JSO are in any way, shape or form going to effect ANY change at all doing what they do you are deluded. In fact, all they do is harm their cause.

And actually, small changes add up if done as a collective. Plus, they are all us ordinary individuals can do. You’re directing your ire and patronising tone at the wrong people. What are YOU doing about climate change? Besides sneering at others about the ‘science’ online I mean?

I cannot believe people want to see people go to jail for 5 years for causing a traffic jam.

Yes because that's what they got 5 years in prison for 😂🙄.

Agreed.

The vast majority of them are white, middle class twits

@iamtheblcksheep so true! Not to mention the fact they graffitied Stonehenge and expensive artwork. I understand they won't to be heard but they are going the wrong way about it!

Absolutely. I can just then get on with my fucking day

Because you've got important stuff to do

I am glad I'm not this morally anaesthetised.

They did no permanent damage to anything.

Oh and that makes it ok?