Dr. Diana Warner, a retired doctor, was convicted of obstructing a railway during a climate protest against the Drax power station, the UK's largest carbon emitter. She argued that the jury had been unduly influenced by the judge to disregard their conscience. Warner protested to highlight the climate emergency, particularly the destructive nature of Drax, which relies on burning wood pellets. Despite initial doubts from the jury, the judge instructed them to decide strictly based on evidence. Warner contended that jurors have the right to acquit based on personal belief in jury equity.
She told the Guardian that she believed the jury had been unfairly bullied into the verdict by the judge, contradicting their conscience.
Dr. Warner stated, ‘That power station is the most ridiculous on Earth, chomping through so many trees.’
The jurors expressed their struggle with the verdict, asking, ‘As a matter of conscience we are finding it difficult to come to a verdict.’
She cited ‘jury equity,’ stating that jurors can acquit based on conscience, even if they believe a crime occurred.
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