Former Exeter student found guilty of London protest criminal damage
23 year old Arthur Clifton was part of a Just Stop Oil protest
A former Exeter University student has been found guilty of criminal damage, in connection with a Just Stop Oil protest at University College London.
23 year old Arthur Clifton, who lives in London, sprayed orange paint onto the portico of a building in October 2023, causing £5,000 of damage.
He's been convicted by a jury at Southwark Crown Court following a four day trial.
Speaking ahead of the protest action, Clifton said:
“I cannot stand by in terror and do nothing as my entire generation is sold out for short-term profit. I wonder how long it is before my 10-year-old sister has to face the food shortages and violence that so many across the globe are already facing in the wake of social breakdown brought on through climate collapse?"
“Universities are supposed to develop and protect their students and young people, but instead they are sending us into the furnace. The academic research has been done, and it could not be clearer. If these institutions listened to their own staff, they would know how crucial it is that we immediately halt all new oil and gas licences. Instead, they accept millions in funding from oil and gas corporations.”
Clifton has been bailed ahead of his sentencing, also at Southwark Crown Court, on May 29th.