Five individuals sentenced for protesting at a Muller Dairy site in Worcestershire in September 2022. Disruption cost business a lot.
The protest occurred back in September 2022. On February 7, a Friday, the Worcester Crown Court issued the sentences.
Detective Inspector Ollie Moore commented on the sentencing. He stated that while they respect the rights to peaceful protest, community safety is paramount. Some protestors unlawfully entered the site and caused criminal damage, which is unacceptable.
Moore further explained that the disruption was significant, resulting in substantial financial losses for the business. It also diverted crucial police resources away from our communities.
Yves Tchapda, 29, received 220 hours of unpaid work and an 18-month community order. He was also ordered to pay £600. His offenses included two counts of intentional or reckless public nuisance.
Jack Fleming, 28, received a 12-month community order and 120 hours of unpaid work. He was also required to pay £200. He was found guilty of two counts of conspiracy to commit criminal damage.
Lawrence Smith, 34, received a 12-month community order, 220 hours of unpaid work and a 20-hour rehabilitation period. He needed to pay £1000. His offenses included public nuisance and conspiracy to commit criminal damage.
Sarah McCaffrey, 21, received similar orders, including a 12-month community order and 200 hours of unpaid work. She also needed to pay £400. Her offenses included having an article with intent to destroy or damage property and causing public nuisance.
Ashley Faulkner, 33, received an 18-month community order and 240 hours of unpaid work. He also needed to pay £1200. He was convicted of conspiracy to commit criminal damage and causing public nuisance.
The court cases for other individuals involved are ongoing and still in progress.