Iain Edward Oliver, 40, from Uxbridge, and James Ruggles, 23, from Braintree, Essex, have made history as the first individuals convicted for an anti-HS2 protest. The pair were found guilty of wilful obstruction of the highway at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 13 October.
The offence relates to a demonstration held on 11 January this year at Denham Court Drive. During the protest, Oliver and Ruggles deliberately walked on the road, causing a traffic jam that lasted one hour and 47 minutes over a distance of 750 metres. They refused to move, effectively halting the highway and disrupting traffic flow. Both men were arrested shortly after the incident.
James Ruggles did not attend the court hearing but was convicted in his absence. Each man received a £200 fine along with £300 in costs.
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson stated, “These two men are the first people to be convicted in connection with an anti-HS2 protest in the country. While we support peaceful protest, we will take action and bring offenders to court.”
The police also reaffirmed their commitment to balancing the public’s right to demonstrate with the right of HS2 to carry out lawful business.
Originally published by UKNIP.
