The four people, three women and one man who yesterday occupied cranes in Dock 4 Southampton were charged this afternoon with aggravated trespass.
They were arrested yesterday evening after climbing the cranes and occupying them for seven hours in order to stop completed blades being shipped from Southampton.
We understand from Police that they have been released on bail and are all due to appear before Southampton Magistrates Court on 29 September.
In a press release from the Worker’s Climate Action it’s claimed that
The four now intend to press charges against Vestas shipping manager for ordering the two crane drivers to recklessly endanger their lives by turning on both cranes and moving the boom whilst one protester was attached to the moving parts that were then pulled violently through her arms and legs whilst police watched on and videoed the incident.
One of the four, Jacqueline Sheedy said: “Throughout the action we were peacefully occupying the crane and Vestas arrogance and quest for profits drove them to risk our lives in order to remove us in an attempt to carry on loading the blades as quickly as possible. The behaviour of Vestas management throughout has shown scant regard for the health and safety of their workforce and little sign of humanity in dealing with the closure of the factory. Dock workers in Southampton were calling us during this incident incredulous that this could happen, as did the RMT legal team.
“We were inundated with messages of encouragement from workers and activists around the while on the cranes and this is yet more proof that this campaign is far from over and that it is only a small part of what will soon prove to be a much more widespread struggle for workers rights and the environment.”
