Extinction Rebellion Northampton issues strong statement over 'The Barclaycard Six' verdicts

By Logan MacLeod
Published 18th Jun 2021, 13:48 BST
Updated 19th Jun 2021, 09:43 BST
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Two of 'The Barclaycard Six' were found guilty on Thursday (June 17) of criminal damage to Barclays' headquarters in Brackmills last year, the other four were found not guilty

After two of 'The Barclaycard Six' were found guilty of criminal damage at Barclay's headquarters in Brackmills, Extinction Rebellion Northampton has said the actual 'criminals' are those 'sending us hurtling towards climate catastrophe'.

'The Barclaycard Six' were arrested in February last year after staging a protest inside the bank's Brackmills headquarters to demonstrate against the firm's fossil fuel investments.

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David Lane, 55, and Luke Adams, 25, were found guilty of causing criminal damage to the Barclays logo in the main foyer of the building after they sprayed a black watery liquid - which represented oil and was not harmful - at the sign for about 15 seconds.

Five of The Barclaycard Six outside Northampton Magistrates Court on Thursday, (June 17).(left to right) Martyn Lyman, David Lane, Alan Heath, Linda Davidsen, Luke Adams Photo: Leila CokerFive of The Barclaycard Six outside Northampton Magistrates Court on Thursday, (June 17).(left to right) Martyn Lyman, David Lane, Alan Heath, Linda Davidsen, Luke Adams Photo: Leila Coker
Five of The Barclaycard Six outside Northampton Magistrates Court on Thursday, (June 17).(left to right) Martyn Lyman, David Lane, Alan Heath, Linda Davidsen, Luke Adams Photo: Leila Coker

Extinction Rebellion Northampton said: "Extinction Rebellion Northampton are keen to stress that the criminals are NOT those who take action against the injustice and corruption within the fossil fuel industry - the criminals are those who are knowingly sending us hurtling toward climate catastrophe just to make a quick buck."

Five of the six told Northampton Magistrates Court on Thursday (June 17) they hoped the demonstration would encourage the bank to divest from the industry, which they say could slow down the effects of Climate Change.

Linda Davidsen, Alan Heath, Martyn Lyman and Daniel Shaw were all found not guilty for their roles in the protest, which involved filming, unveiling banners and making those in Barclays aware what was about to happen so they did not feel threatened, the court heard.

Barclays has been contacted for comment.

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This is the scene from the protest on February 26 last year, which shows the Barclays logo was sprayed black and banners were unveiled.This is the scene from the protest on February 26 last year, which shows the Barclays logo was sprayed black and banners were unveiled.
This is the scene from the protest on February 26 last year, which shows the Barclays logo was sprayed black and banners were unveiled.

Protesters turned up outside the court with signs and drums on Thursday to show their support for the six defendants.Two of 'The Barclaycard Six' found guilty for their role in Extinction Rebellion protest at Barclays' Northampton headquarters