Daniel Day, a 30-year-old man from Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, has been convicted of causing public nuisance following a 17-hour barefoot climb of Big Ben in a pro-Palestine demonstration last March.
The protest caused significant disruption in Westminster, including emergency responses and road closures, with the total cost to taxpayers estimated at £67,000.
Day’s climb led to the closure of Bridge Street and parts of Parliament Square, forcing Transport for London to reroute buses. This resulted in a loss of approximately £25,000 in bus fares. Additionally, over 2,500 visitor appointments to Parliament were cancelled during the incident.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that mattresses were placed beneath the tower to protect Day due to the dangerous nature of his position. CCTV footage showed him scaling the building while holding a Palestine flag and livestreaming the event on Instagram, shouting “Free, Free Palestine” to the crowds below.
Throughout the protest, Day warned police to keep their distance or he would climb higher. He insisted that his protest was peaceful and that he intended no harm. He also accused police of violently attacking peaceful protestors, justifying his actions at what he described as the “hub of democracy.” His bare feet bled during the climb, highlighting the protest’s dramatic nature.
After a three-day trial at Southwark Crown Court, jurors deliberated for around 90 minutes before finding Day guilty of public nuisance and trespassing on a protected site. Supporters in the public gallery showed emotion following the verdict, while others outside the court chanted “Free Palestine.”
Day pleaded guilty to trespassing charges and is awaiting sentencing for both offences, which is scheduled for July 27 at Southwark Crown Court.
Originally published by UKNIP.
