LONDON -- The 13 climate change activists known as the Heathrow 13, who stormed the London airport last summer and were told they could face prison in January, have been spared jail.
The group, from direct action network Plane Stupid, were given six-week sentences suspended for 12 months at Willesden Magistrates Court in north-west London on Wednesday, which means they are unlikely to spend time in prison. They were ordered to complete between 120 and 180 hours of community service.
Plane Stupid tweeted the verdict Wednesday afternoon.
#Heathrow13 appears all dented to 6 weeks suspended for 12 months plus community service awaiting confirmation— Plane Stupid (@planestupid) February 24, 2016
huge cheers for #Heathrow13 from outside court can be heard loud and clear, keep them coming!!! we love you! #NoNewRunways— Plane Stupid (@planestupid) February 24, 2016
The group were found guilty of aggravated trespass and entering a security restricted area in January, and told they could expect custodial sentences, for their action at Heathrow on July 13 last year.
That summer, the 13 activists caused delays and cancellations at the airport when they cut through a fence and occupied a runway, blocking several flights and tweeting photos from the tarmac.
Still smiling on the runway. Happy to be taking action on airport expansion and climate change. #NoThirdRunway pic.twitter.com/4AiQvoPeJK— Plane Stupid (@planestupid) July 13, 2015
After January's verdict, Metropolitan Police superintendent Andy Jones said: "When protestors encroach into the airside environment they not only cause major disruption but also significant danger to themselves and aircraft."
"These convictions send out a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated."
In an op-ed for Mashable this week one of the group, Ella Gilbert, explained she had no regrets over facing prison. "We knew our actions might lead to prison sentences, but it was a sacrifice we were all willing to make," she wrote.
Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the court ahead of the verdict.
