Protesters receive non-custodial sentences for defacing Queen Victoria bust

Non-custodial sentences have been issued to two individuals protesting food poverty, who defaced a bust of Queen Victoria by smearing it with jam and porridge. Sarah Martin, aged 31, and Hannah Taylor, aged 24, conducted this action, which they characterized as a protest against increasing food insecurity, at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow during March. These two individuals, who are activists associated with the campaign group This is Rigged, also spray-painted an offensive term onto the statue’s plinth. A trial held at Glasgow Sheriff Court last month resulted in Martin and Taylor being found guilty of a malicious mischief charge. During a sentencing hearing, Sheriff Simone Sweeney mandated Taylor, who resides in the city’s Drygate area, to complete 80 hours of unpaid community service. Martin, from Shawlands, was instructed to pay £300 in compensation to the art gallery. A video recording of the protest, presented during the trial, captured Martin stating: “We refuse to be dragged back to the Victorian era.” She further informed the court: “I was forced into taking action and I took no reckless or thoughtless action – I sought to express my rights to protest.” Glasgow Life, the charity responsible for operating the art gallery museum, incurred costs of approximately £600 for the restoration of the statue and its plinth, which have been permanent exhibits at the museum for over three decades. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.