Climate Activist Accuses Drax Trial Judge of Jury Intimidation in Guilty Verdict

A retired doctor, Dr. Diana Warner, was recently found guilty of obstructing a railway during a climate protest. The case drew significant attention, especially when jurors expressed feeling conflicted about reaching a verdict due to their conscience.

The 65-year-old doctor from Bristol protested on December 14, 2021, by waving an orange flag and blocking a freight train near Drax power station in North Yorkshire. Drax is known as the UK’s largest carbon emitter, and Warner aimed to raise awareness about climate issues. She had originally planned to attend a high court hearing regarding a previous protest but chose to take action this day instead.

During the trial, a video of her protest was shown. Warner described Drax as “the most ridiculous power station on Earth,” criticizing its use of wood pellets and the environmental impact of cutting down trees for fuel.

After the jury was sent out to deliberate, they sent a note to the judge, asking for guidance because they felt conflicted. The judge responded, stating they should focus on the evidence rather than their conscience. Warner pointed out that jurors have a legal principle called jury equity, where they can find someone not guilty based on their beliefs about the justice of the law.

Warner believed the jury sympathized with her cause. She mentioned that some jurors smiled at her during the trial, which gave her hope they understood her perspective. However, she felt the judge had pressured the jury, calling it “bullying.” In her view, the judge’s comments were directing jurors to act contrary to their moral beliefs.

Reflecting on the protest and its outcome, Warner stated she wouldn’t engage in obstructive protests again, feeling uncertain about their effectiveness. However, she remains passionate about climate issues, stressing that the urgency for change is greater than ever. “The stakes are incredibly high,” she added, urging others to remain active in advocating for the environment.

Dr. Warner will be sentenced on March 25, and she hopes the conversation around climate action continues to grow.

Source link