Faces of protesters jailed for causing £4million in damage in Runcorn

As reported earlier this week, the pair were two of three arrested following the cessation of a two-day pro-Palestinian rooftop protest at a factory in Runcorn

Cheshire Police detained Charlie Blue-Thomas and Michael Lynch-White on suspicion of criminal damage at the premises of APPH, or Heroux Devtek Ltd.

Now, the force has released mugshots of the duo following their sentencing at Chester Crown Court.

Members of Palestine Action raided the Pembroke Court site at around 4.30am on Thursday, June 10, 2021.

At the time, the group claimed that landing gear for Elbit drones which have been used in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza is produced in the factory.

Officers were called to the scene after red paint was splatted across exterior walls and flares were set off.

Witnesses also reported seeing fire extinguishers being thrown through the roof, as well as damage to skylights.

Blue-Thomas, aged 27 and of Mallory Close in Lewisham, London, and Lynch-White, aged 32 and of Yew Tree Road, Liverpool, were later charged with criminal damage.

The charge that they were convicted on states that without lawful excuse, they damaged air conditioning units, skylights and plane parts to the value of approximately £4million.

This was while ‘intending to destroy or damage’ such property belonging to Devtek, or ‘being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged’.

Appearing at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday, May 17, the pair were sentenced by judge Michael Leeming.

Blue-Thomas was locked up for 16 months and Lynch-White was jailed for 27 months.

Both were also made the subject of restraining orders prohibiting them from entering the perimeter of any site or any building belonging to or associated with Heroux Devtek Ltd until further order is made.

At the time of the incident, a Cheshire Police spokesman said: “Cheshire Police is aware of a protest taking place at a premises in the Manor Park area of Runcorn.

“The role of the force is to impartially allow for protesting while ensuring that others can continue in their legitimate business activities or commuting.

“However, where offences are committed, we will take action.

“During protests, we ensure access to emergency vehicles is maintained and try to keep disruption to a minimum.”

On its cessation, chief inspector Leeroy Moss commented: “We would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding while we dealt with this incident."

Also speaking at the time, a Palestine Action spokesman said: “So far, activists have broken into the factory to dismantle drone and aircraft machinery, have destroyed property including floodlights, ventilators, windows and cameras, have sprayed blood-red paint across premises and are currently occupying the roof to prevent operations at the site."

Mike Amesbury MP, whose Weaver Vale encompasses the factory, also gave his views at the time.

He said: “People have got a right to protest, but it must be done peacefully.

“I would be very disappointed if any components used for military hardware involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are being manufactured in my constituency.”