A 77-year-old climate activist risks being sent back to prison after his wrist was deemed too small to fit an electronic tag. Guy Delap, from Bristol, was jailed in August for his role in the disruptive Just Stop Oil demonstration on the M25 in November 2022 but was released on a house arrest curfew.
The tagging company, contracted by the Ministry of Justice, reported that it was unable to attach the device to Delap’s leg, given his health problems, including the risk of deep-vein thrombosis, and that tags small enough for his wrist were not found. As a result, authorities have issued a warrant for his arrest, citing him as “unable to supervise.”
Delap’s brother, Mick, speaking on her behalf due to a curfew ban on media communications, described the situation as “very brutal”, saying, “The cow is sitting at home scared, packing her suitcase, waiting for the police to come knocking. She can’t eat or sleep because of this.” He also highlighted his health problems, including prolonged swelling in one finger caused by handcuffs during hospital visits while in custody.
Delap MP Carla Denaire condemned the handling of the case, calling it “absurd” and a disproportionate use of public resources. Denyer said, “This is a disproportionate crackdown on climate protestors. Cows pose no threat to their fellow citizens.
Of Delap’s four co-defendants, who were jailed for similar peaceful protests, three have been successfully tagged and released early. The Ministry of Justice and Serco, which operates Electronic Monitoring Services (EMS), are reportedly reviewing the case.
Mick Delap accused the system of involving EMS, prison services, and probation officers in a “nightmare triangle of confusion and justice.” He noted that the alternative “door curfew”, which had worked during his bail period, was not offered this time.
Delap took part in a four-day campaign where activists mounted gantries on the M25, causing significant traffic disruption and affecting an estimated 709,000 drivers. While his actions were peaceful, they drew sharp criticism and sparked a debate over the proportionality of sentences given to climate activists.
Denier previously expressed concern over what he called an “disproportionate sentence” for Delap, saying his protests were designed to highlight the urgency of the climate crisis. The Ministry of Justice is yet to respond further.
(With inputs from The Guardian)