Priest among seven held
SEVEN alleged ringleaders of the Just Stop Oil protests on the M25 were in custody last night.
The group included former dentist and part-time priest Tim Hewes plus organic farmer Roger Hallam, who lives in a £1million London flat.
The seven were remanded in custody at London’sWestminster Magistrates Court, charged with plotting to cause a public nuisance. Another alleged ringleader was given bail.
All eight were arrested in what Scotland Yard called a “preemptive” operation involving several police forces on Sunday.
Hewes, 72, of Wantage, Oxon, and Hallam, 56, from Walworth, south London, will appear at London’s Southwark Crown Court next month.
Police held 22 people as Just Stop Oil activists scaled gantries over the orbital motorway on Monday and Tuesday. Further arrests were made yesterday.
They were all charged with causing a public nuisance. Four were remanded in custody while the others were bailed.
Hewes, Hallam and the other alleged ringleaders may face lengthy prison sentences if they are found guilty.
Following Sunday’s arrests, the Metropolitan Police said: “The Met has launched a significant proactive policing operation to identify and arrest people we have strong reason to believe are intent on causing reckless and serious disruption to the public.”
The spokesman added: “We have worked with surrounding forces and the National Police Coordination Centre to ensure that there is a joined-up response to this clear threat.”
The Met said 111 people had been arrested and charged from the end of September and during last month.