Court dates for activists that blockaded McDonalds distribution centres
Eight people have been arrested after animal rights activists blockaded a McDonalds distribution centre in Basingstoke, as part of a national day of action.
Animal Rebellion, who claim the action would impact roughly 1,300 restaurants, used trucks and bamboo structures at distribution sites in Basingstoke, Hemel Hempstead, Coventry and Heywood, Greater Manchester, to stop lorries from leaving depots.
The group are demanding McDonald’s commit to becoming fully plant-based by 2025.
Max Goodridge from Animal Rebellion told ITV Meridian why the group was taking action
McDonald’s has apologised to customers for “any disappointment caused”
The eight people who were arrested following the protest have been charged with aggravated trespass.
Police have also charged with them watching or besetting a house or place to compel the abstention or doing of a lawful act, an offence under Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.
Five of those people have been released on conditional police bail to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday the 8th of June. They are:
Jennifer D’Netto, 51, of Rothwell Road, Malvern Wells, Worcestershire
Elizabeth Flynn, 32, of no fixed abode• Rose Patterson, 31, of no fixed abode
Kiera Ilett-Jones, 24, of Albemarle Road, Beckenham, Kent
Adam Haigh, 21, of no fixed abode
Three others have been released on conditional police bail to appear at the same court on Thursday 10th of June. They are:
Bethany Croakin, 25 , of no fixed abode
Sidney Davies, 21, of Chessel Street, Bristol
Jasmine Maslen, 18, of no fixed abode
Chief Inspector Matt Reeves said: “Everyone has the right to free speech and protest, however, officers will take necessary action against the few who deliberately choose to act outside the law.”