Four Ulez Protesters Fined for Harassing London Mayor Sadiq Khan

Four individuals protesting the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) have been issued fines for harassing Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London. Nicholas Arlett, Martin Whitehead, Alison Young, and Lloyd Dunsford were all convicted of harassment of a person at their residence, a ruling made at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. The court proceedings revealed that the demonstration, titled “Khanage at Khan’s,” occurred on 6 April approximately 100m (328ft) from Mayor Khan’s Tooting residence. Simon Fawthrop, a Bromley Conservative councillor and spokesperson for the group, informed the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the four individuals intend to appeal their convictions. These four individuals were among a larger gathering of approximately 100 demonstrators, as presented in court. Ms. Young was noted to have worn a dinosaur costume during the protest. District Judge Daniel Sternberg described the protest as noisy, involving amplified music, specifically the theme tune from the TV series The Bill, and containing “offensive language.” Although the mayor was not believed to be at his residence during the event, Judge Sternberg stated that residents on the street experienced disruption “in their private lives whilst in their homes.” Judge Sternberg further noted, “During the arrest phase, a number of protesters became aggressive and struggled with the police.” He determined that Mr. Arlett bore a greater degree of culpability compared to the others, imposing a fine of £750 and a £300 victim surcharge on him. Mr. Whitehead, Ms. Young, and Mr. Dunsford each received a £500 fine and a £200 victim surcharge. Judge Sternberg also expressed his conviction that the protesters “knew, or ought to have known, that their presence was likely to cause alarm or distress to Sadiq Khan.” He emphasized that the legal requirement was not proof of whether Mr. Khan or any other individual “actually was” caused alarm or distress, but rather that the protest was likely to produce such an effect. The judge clarified that the victim surcharges would not be allocated to Mr. Khan, explaining instead that these funds are designated to support victims of crime via the Victim and Witness General Fund. Outside the court, Mr. Arlett commented: “I am absolutely disgusted that this country has become as it has, with our judiciary. “Are they there to uphold the law, or the will of their political masters?”” Representing the group, Mr. Fawthrop stated: “Today has seen a travesty of justice… [This] judgment is another body blow for free speech and peaceful protest in this country.” He further indicated that the group intends to be “discussing with their lawyers appealing this conviction and sentence at the earliest opportunity.” For more content, listeners can access BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk. This report is copyrighted by BBC, 2024. All rights are reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites and provides information regarding its policy on external linking.