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The Kingsnorth Six Trial

Country/Territory
United Kingdom
Date
Apr 29, 2024
Source
UNEP, InforMEA
Court name
Maidstone Crown Court
Seat of court
England and Wales
Reference number
Maidstone Crown Court [2008]
Abstract
A United Kingdom trial court acquitted climate change activists of causing criminal damage at a coal-fired power station. Six Greenpeace activists attempted to shut down the Kingsnorth coal-fired power station in Kent by scaling the chimney and painting the Prime Minister’s name down the side. The defendants argued that by shutting down the coal plant for a day, they prevented greater damage to even more valuable property. The jury’s verdict was the first instance in which prevention of property damage resulting from the impacts of climate change was used as a lawful excuse in court.

Key environmental legal questions:

Determine whether Greenpeace activists' trespass at coal-fired power plant made them criminally liable
Full text
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