Eight people charged over Basingstoke protest
Arrests made at food distribution centre on Saturday
Last updated 24th May 2021
Eight people have been charged with aggravated trespass following a demonstration outside a McDonald’s distribution centre in Basingstoke.
The charges relate to the protest outside the Basingstoke facility on an industrial estate off of Houndsmill Road which was one of a number of events held against the fast food giant across the UK during the weekend.
A Hampshire police spokesman said that the eight people had been charged with aggravated trespass as well as “watching or besetting a house or place to compel the abstention or doing of a lawful act, an offence under Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992”.
Jennifer D’Netto, 51, of Rothwell Road, Malvern Wells, Worcestershire; Kiera Ilett-Jones, 24, of Albemarle Road, Beckenham, Kent; and Elizabeth Flynn, 32, Rose Patterson, 31, and Adam Haigh, 21, all of no fixed address, have been released on conditional bail to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on June 8.
Sidney Davies, 21, of Chessel Street, Bristol, and Bethany Croakin, 25, and Jasmine Maslen, 18, both of no fixed address have also been bailed to appear at the same court on June 10.
Animal Rebellion used vehicles and bamboo structures to prevent lorries from leaving depots in Hemel Hempstead, Basingstoke, Coventry and Heywood in Greater Manchester on Saturday.
The group is demanding McDonald’s commits to becoming fully plant-based by 2025.
Chief inspector Matt Reeves, of Hampshire police, said: “Everyone has the right to free speech and protest, however, officers will take necessary action against the few who deliberately choose to act outside the law.”