Four Just Stop Oil protestors found guilty after GMP foil disruption plans close to Manchester Airport

Following a trial at Minshull Crown Court, four defendants; Indigo Rumbelow, Leanorah Ward, Margaret Reid and Daniel Knorr were today (Friday 21 February) found guilty of conspiracy to intentionally cause a public nuisance. Noah Crane was found not guilty.

In the early hours of the morning on Monday 5 August in 2024, officers from our Specialist Operations Branch, supported by detectives from our Serious Crime Division arrested four people near Manchester Airport, and one man in Birmingham.

Officers from our Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit detained four people, Indigo Rumbelow, Margaret Reid, Leanorah Ward, and Daniel Knorr, walking along South Park Road in Gatley, as they were making their way to Manchester Airport. 

They were equipped with heavy duty bolt cutters, angle grinders, glue, sand, Just Stop Oil high visibility vests and a leaflet containing instructions to follow when interacting with police. Leanorah Ward was also found in possession of a handwritten note which detailed the motive of the group; to enter the airfield of Manchester Airport and to then contact the police to alert them of their activity.

They were planning to enter the airfield and stick themselves to the taxiway using the glue and sand, with one main goal; to disrupt airport activity and gain media attention. In Ward’s interview, she stated that she regretted that their attempts were unsuccessful due to being caught by the police.

Following their arrest, a search of a rental property they were staying at in Gatley was searched and officers recovered several items from the bin including a provisional driving license of Knorr and a camera harness.

As Just Stop Oil threatened a summer of disruption, police forces across the country worked together to ensure disruption was kept to a minimum, and that no members of the public were put at risk as a result of their activity.

Thankfully, as a result of extensive work and national coordination, GMP was able to detain and arrest these individuals, and prevent largescale disruption at Manchester Airport.

Superintendent Helen Caldbeck, GMP operational commander for Manchester Airport said: “We have been working closely with Manchester Airport colleagues and police forces across the country, sharing intelligence, with the common goal to prevent these disruptive and targeted attacks on our airports.

“We have a duty of care of care to the public, and whilst we must always protect the right to protest, it’s crucial that we carefully balance that right against the right of the general public to go about their lives without being subject to unacceptable disruption.

“This group had gone to significant trouble and expense in the preparation of the intended action that morning. If they had gained access to the airfield, not only would they have placed themselves in extreme danger, but they would have caused untold disruption to travellers and holiday makers.

 “Anyone who disrupts the safety and security of an airport can expect to be dealt with swiftly and robustly, and following a meticulous investigation, we welcome these verdicts today.”

Rad Taylor, Director of Aerodrome Operations at Manchester Airport, said: “The safety and security of our passengers is always our number one concern. What these individuals were planning would not only have caused significant disruption for tens of thousands of passengers, but also a significant safety risk. The potential consequences of that do not bear thinking about.

"That is why it is pleasing to see the processes that are in place to detect and intercept plans of these nature worked to good effect. We will continue to work closely with the police and other partners to make sure public safety is protected at all times.”

Natalie Mackenzie, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West said: “This was a planned and targeted attack against one of the country’s busiest airports which could have caused significant disruption. Just stop oil protesters were stopped by police on their way to Manchester Airport.

“When they were searched, police found details of their plans to target the airport, banners, various tools and glue, which had they reached their destination, may have enabled them to glue themselves or others to the taxiways of Manchester Airport.

“Their plan displayed a clear disregard for members of the public using the airport at the height of summer.

“The right to protest is important but it must be balanced against the rights of other citizens to go about their daily business.”