Two people charged over protest at Stonehenge

Orange paint was thrown over stones at the World Heritage site in Wiltshire in June

Stonehenge protest, June 2024
Author: Jonny FreemanPublished 14th Nov 2024

Two people have been charged in connection with a Just Stop Oil protest at Stonehenge in Wiltshire.

Orange powder was thrown over the ancient stone monument near Salisbury, which is a World Heritage site, in June.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said:

"We have been authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service to charge Rajan Naidu, 73, of Gosford Street, Birmingham, and Niamh Lynch, 22, of Norfolk Road, Bedford, with destroying or damaging an ancient protected monument, and intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance.

"They have been bailed to appear at Salisbury Magistrates' Court on December 13."

Sophie Stevens, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Wessex said:

"The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Wiltshire Police to charge Naidu Rajan and Niamh Lynch with offences related to damage caused to the protected monument Stonehenge on 19 June 2024.

"They will appear at Salisbury Magistrates' Court on December 13 2024 for a first hearing.

"I would like to remind all concerned that there are active criminal proceedings against these individuals, and they have the right to a fair trial.

"There must be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online that may in any way prejudice these proceedings."

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