Smiles all round as 21 environmental activists convicted of aggravated trespass for shutting down a gas-fired power station in October 2012 escaped jail today. They'd previously seen off a £5 million law suit aimed at them by energy giant EDF, owners of the plant that was shut down for seven days after the protestors scaled the chimneys.
They'd all made the trek up to Nottingham magistrates fully prepared for prison but in the event the district judge went overboard to tell them how "All of you are highly educated men and women, industrious committed individuals who work and volunteer in your communities. Your motives were genuine.". He then handed out a mixture of conditional discharges and up to 200 hours community service to each defendant.
If you want to get involved then the next next big push is Reclaim the Power - a four day camp and
protest at West Burton power station 17th — 20th August 2013.
To find out more about reclaim the Power and the action taken check out this short film.