Seven people fined for Wilful obstruction of highway after Grand National day protest

We can confirm that seven people have been issued with fines at Liverpool Magistrates Court today (Friday 24 May) following a protest on Wango Lane, which occurred on the same day as last year’s Grand National.
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On Saturday 15 April 2023 we received a report of protests on junction 2 of the M57 and Wango Lane, near to Aintree racecourse, where people attempted to block the road and led to significant traffic delays in the area.

Following an ongoing investigation, nine people were charged with Wilful obstruction of a highway.
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The following were today found guilty:​
Sarah Love, 47, of no fixed abode
Jamie Carter, 29 of no fixed abode; 
Eleanor Kenny, 19 of no fixed abode;
Andrew Houghton, 67 of Mendip Crescent, Bedford;
Zoe Able, 28 and of Leeders Pightle, Norfolk;
Tobias Brown, 49 of West Wycombe Road, High Wycombe
Lucia Alexander, 40 of Halle Lane, Wacton, Norfolk
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Rosa Sharkey, 23, of Chase Side Avenue, Enfield and James Kelly, 46, of Mornant Avenue, Hartford, in Northwich were both found guilty and issued with fines at South Sefton Magistrates Court earlier this month.
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Detective Chief Inspector Ben Dyer said: “As with the previous hearing, the seven defendants relied heavily on their right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights during their court hearing. However, they have now all been found guilty.
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“Merseyside Police respects the right to a peaceful protest and expression of views, but where this crosses into criminal behaviour and disorder it will not be be tolerated. Such actions put those protesting and other road users at huge risk, and as always has the potential to disrupt emergency services responding to serious incidents.
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“I hope these outcomes send a strong message and act as a future deterrent to others. Peaceful protest has its place in society, but that place is not in the middle of a motorway.”