Five Just Stop Oil protesters sentenced after invading Les Miserables stage in West End

Five Just Stop Oil activists have been convicted of aggravated trespass after disrupting a performance of Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theater in London.

Protesters took the stage during the Oct. 4 musical, prompting ushers to remove the demonstrators to boos from the audience.

Members of Just Stop Oil locked themselves on the set, causing the show to be canceled and the theater to be evacuated.

In a statement, William Village, managing director of Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, announced that audiences would receive refunds.

He said: “In line with our safety protocols, the audience was asked to leave the auditorium and the Met Police attended. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to complete the rest of the performance.

“While we recognize the importance of freedom of expression, we must also respect our audience’s right to enjoy the event they paid for.”

The five were found guilty of aggravated trespass by Westminster magistrates in April and sentenced on Friday.

Hannah Taylor, 23, was given a 12-month community order and a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement, ordered to pay £279 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

Hanan Ameur, 22, was sentenced to a 12-month community order, a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement, 80 hours of unpaid work, costs of £279 and a victim surcharge of £114 £.

Poppy Bliss, 19, was given a 12-month community order, a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement, 80 hours of unpaid work, costs of £279 and a victim surcharge of £114.

Two other people were also found guilty of criminal damage.

Lydia Gribbin, 28, was given a 12-month community order, 10 days of rehabilitation activity, 100 hours of unpaid work, £279 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

Noah Crane, 18, was given a 12-month community order, 130 hours of unpaid work, £279 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

Detective Superintendent Sian Thomas, leading the investigation, said: “Those in the audience that evening had spent their hard-earned money and were entitled to enjoy an evening before the disruptive actions of these no one spoils it.

“We have made it clear time and time again that while we will always respect peaceful protests, when there is clear criminality – as is the case here – we will make arrests and seek to prosecute those responsible. »