Insulate Britain activist who skipped High Court hearing to block train is unsuccessful after blocking wrong service

Insulate Britain activist who skipped High Court hearing to block train is unsuccessful after blocking wrong service
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George McMillan

By George McMillan


Published: 15/12/2021

- 10:15

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 11:28

Drax Power Station said the activist had failed to stop one of their trains, blocking one belonging to another company instead.

An Insulate Britain protester who was due to appear in court on Tuesday is now under investigation after blockading Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire.

Retired GP Dr Diana Warner was expected in court yesterday and a warrant for her arrest was issued by Lord Justice Dingemans.


However Drax Power Station said the activist had failed to stop one of their trains, stopping one belonging to another company instead.

The Telegraph reports that Dr Warner travelled to London after the protest to attend the remainder of her hearing.

Seven members of the climate action group appeared at the High Court having been accused of breaking court injunctions.

The protesters, who have a combined age of 428 and include an elderly Anglican priest, admitted the allegations but said they were compelled to act to highlight Britain’s so-called “leaky homes”.

They face possible jail sentences when Lord Justice Dingemans hands down his judgement on Wednesday.

One of the defendants, the Rev Sue Parfitt from Bristol, drew applause from members of the public inside the Royal Courts of Justice when she addressed the judge about her determination to continue protesting in the event she is not jailed.

The 79-year-old told the judge: “Wasn’t it worth me sitting on the motorways to flag (our) message, and to interrupt people’s lives for an hour or so, in order to protect our children?

“It is of no consequence to me what you do with me today.

“If you leave me at liberty, I shall continue to protest in whatever way most dramatically draws attention to the plight we are all in – whether that involves breaking the law or not.”

Stephen Pritchard, 62, from Radstock in Somerset, told the judge he had personally been thanked by police and motorists for their protests, despite the disruption.

He told the court: “I will continue to block roads in peaceful protest regardless of the consequences for me personally.

“We are all mired in the consequences of climate breakdown.”

And Steve Gower, 54, from Gloucester, added: “I took part in short, non-violent action on behalf of people present and future not in a position to make their voices heard – I will sleep tonight and thereafter with a clear conscience.”

The four other defendants are: Ruth Jarman, 58, from Hook; Hampshire; Biff Whipster, 54, from Canterbury, Kent; Paul Sheeky, 46, from Warrington, Cheshire; and Richard Ramsden, 75, from Halifax, West Yorkshire.

The breaches relate to an Insulate Britain protest on the M25, which led to tailbacks of 2.5 miles, when activists blocked the carriageways and glued themselves to the road.

The case was adjourned until Wednesday.

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