Ten demonstrators who occupied the luxury department store on London’s Piccadilly earlier this year were found guilty of aggravated trespass when they appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
But in sentencing them all to conditional discharges, District Judge Michael Snow expressed some sympathy with their actions telling them they were all united by a “common sense of decency”.
Declining to award the famous store compensation, the judge told the group: “Civil disobedience has a long and entirely peaceful history in this country.
“History often vindicates those involved in such acts. I've read a series of glowing references on behalf of every one of you. You are united by a common sense of decency.”
Fortnum & Mason, which has an illustrious 300-year history and is often referred to as the Queen’s grocer, was targeted by protestors on the day of a large TUC rally in March. » | Martin Evans | Thursday, November 17, 2011
