Climate activists Cole Macdonald and Jennifer Kowalski, members of the group Just Stop Oil, were arrested after allegedly breaking into Stansted Airport in London and spray-painting two private jets orange. The incident occurred on Thursday at around 5:00 AM BST. Prosecutors stated that the cleanup cost of the paint was £52,000, with additional unknown costs for repairing the fence and enhancing security.
The court heard that 75 flights were disrupted during a 38-minute delay, affecting thousands of passengers. Initially, Just Stop Oil claimed that the private jet of popstar Taylor Swift was present at the Essex airport, but police confirmed it was not there at the time of the incident. Swift has faced criticism regarding the carbon dioxide emissions from her extensive travel.
Climate activists disrupt Stansted flights
Macdonald and Kowalski pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal damage and interfering with national infrastructure. They were also charged with aggravated trespass but did not enter pleas for this charge.
In a statement released through Just Stop Oil, Macdonald condemned billionaires for living in luxury while others face unlivable conditions. The demonstration was part of a broader series of protests aimed at raising awareness about climate change and the need for urgent action to reduce carbon emissions. The pair were denied bail and are scheduled for another hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on 22 July.
Authorities are investigating how the activists managed to gain access to the tarmac.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
