Heathrow Runway protesters 'likely to face prison'

Thirteen protesters who chained themselves to railings at Heathrow Airport have been told it is almost inevitable they will be jailed for their actions.

Members of the Plane Stupid campaign group cut a hole in a fence and made their way on to the north runway at the airport in July last year. They were found guilty of aggravated trespass and entering a security-restricted area of an aerodrome.

Giving her verdict at Willesden Magistrates' Court, District Judge Deborah Wright said the cost of the disruption at the airport on July 13 2015 was "absolutely astronomical".

The demonstrators had admitted being on the runway but claimed their actions were necessary to stop people dying from the effects of pollution and climate change.

The group have been bailed to appear for sentencing on February 24th.