Two people fined over £1000 after protests during last year's Grand National

A man and a woman have been issued with fines totalling over £1,000 following a protest on Wango Lane, which occurred on the same day as last year’s Grand National, Saturday 15 April 2023.

Yesterday, Thursday 2 May, Rosa Sharkey, 23, of Chase Side Avenue, Enfield and James Kelly, 46, of Mornant Avenue, Hartford, in Northwich were both found guilty and issued fines of £690 and £550 at South Sefton Magistrates Court.

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. The remaining seven people will attend South Sefton Magistrates Court for a 2-day trial on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 May.

Speaking after the trial Detective Chief Inspector Ben Dyer said: “Sharkey and Kelly relied heavily on their right to freedom of expression under article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights during their court hearing. But despite this they were both found guilty and issued fines by the district judge.

“Merseyside Police respects the right to a peaceful protest and expression of views, but criminal behaviour and disorder will never be tolerated.

“I hope this sends a clear message and acts as a deterrent to others that we will be put you before the courts to be prosecuted for these serious actions.”