One of the nine Insulate Britain protesters appearing at the High Court today for breaking an injunction on their M25 demonstrations admitted he was ‘c**ping’ himself and felt like crying at the prospect of jail.

Oliver Roc, 41 is one among eco zealots of the Extinction Rebellion sideshoot. They have blocked roads for 19 consecutive days, causing chaos for motorists who are stuck in London and Manchester.

There have been 860 arrests and 161 activists were involved. If found guilty of contempt, nine activists will be summoned and could receive up to 2 years in jail, unlimited fines or seizure and forfeiture of their assets.

Ben Buse (36); Ana Heyatawin (58); Louis McKenchnie (20); Roman Paluch (28); Emma Smart (44); Tim Speers (36); James Thomas (47); and Ben Taylor (27) were the nine who appeared in a Committal Hearing this morning.

A very emotional Mr. Roc told the story LBC radio this morning: ‘I feel terrified – I’m c***ping myself this morning, and I feel like crying. All these emotions are coming from me. This situation seems absurd.

The nine Insulate Britain protesters appearing at the High Court today are (from left): Oliver Roc, 41; Roman Paluch, 28; Tim Speers, 36; Emma Smart, 44; Louis McKenchnie, 20;James Thomas, 47; Ana Heyatawin, 58; Ben Taylor, 27; and Ben Buse, 36

From left, the nine Insulate Britain protesters who appeared at today’s High Court are: Oliver Roc (41); Roman Paluch (28); Tim Speers (36); Emma Smart (44); Louis McKenchnie (20); James Thomas (47); Ana Heyatawin (58); Ben Taylor (27); and Ben Buse (36)

The nine Insulate Britain protesters hold two banners before their appearance at the High Court in London this morning

Before they appear at the High Court of London, this morning, nine Insulate Britain protestors hold two banners

Oliver Roc at court today

Oliver Roc is pictured at Parliament Square in London on November 4

Oliver Roc, left (at court today), is pictured at the protest group held in Parliament Square on November 4. (right).

“What we are asking the Government is a practical, no-brainer decision that they should make, but instead they choose to lock us up and fine us as well as seize our assets.

“I am expecting that we could be sentenced perhaps today or possibly tomorrow.” It’s quite likely that we will receive custodial sentences. 

What constitutes contempt of court, and how long are protestors allowed to be in prison? 

‘Contempt of court’ is an offence that normally happens when someone risks unfairly influencing a court case, which may stop somebody from getting a fair trial.

This could include shouting or taking photos in court.

It can also be disobedient or ignored a court order. Insulate Britain activists broke an injunction against their M25 protests.

Contempt could result in a conviction for those who violate the injunctions and could face either a two-year sentence in prison or a fine unlimited.

To stop demonstrators from blocking roads, the High Court issued five injunctions so far – four for National Highways (NH) and one for Transport for London(TfL).

Since no one has been arrested for a crime, the hearings won’t be in a criminal court. The reason is that at most 161 of the protesters took part in the demonstrations during the past two months. This led to at least 860 arrests.

Instead, the protesters face contempt of court proceedings. They are being charged with breaching a High Court Injunction. This is a civil matter that can lead to a sentence in jail.

The nine had been due to hold a press conference in a Pret A Manger café across the road before the hearing, but Pret then told them they could not do so because the venue was not licensed to hold such kind of events.

Another 23 protestors have defied several of the injunctions issued to Transport for London or National Highways during these past two months. 

Insulate Britain is expecting these 23 individuals to be summoned over the next days. That would mean that at most 32 people are expected to be found guilty of contempt of court.

Five injunctions have been issued by the High Court to stop protestors from blocking roads. 

These injunctions were granted to National Highways to prohibit demonstrations along the M25 and around the Port of Dover, as well as on other major roads throughout London. One was also given to Transport for London (TfL). 

TfL was issued a civil banning notice to prevent protesters blocking the traffic flow on some of capital’s busiest streets.

Yesterday, Mr McKechnie stated that if the government decides to jail us, then so be it. This will display their cowardice. They prefer to lock away pensioners rather than insulate their houses. 

“They’d rather keep teachers locked up than make thousands of good jobs. My 21st birthday is coming up, and I will be sent to prison.

The government is more interested in locking up youth than taking steps to decrease emissions. They’ll lock us up, leaving thousands of people to freeze this winter and millions more to deal with climate change in the future. 

Boris Johnson should speed up plans to insulate Britain’s homes, to reduce carbon emissions. 

The government wants it done before the end of this decade. It also desires a national, legally binding plan to be published within the next four months. 

Thomas stated that he was afraid of going to prison. But, what I fear most is the complacency of this government and its lies about climate. They’re pushing the envelope. “We are out of roads.”

Insulate Britain has released photographs of some of the faces among its 32 activists who face up to two years in prison for contempt of court. They are (left to right, first row): Ruth Jarman, Dr Diana Warner, Rowan Tilly, Jess Causby, Steve Gower, Liam Norton, Greg Frey, Reverend Sue Parfitt, (second row) Mark Latimer, Dr Ben Buse, Gabby Ditton, Arne Springorum, Tony Hill, Theresa Norton, Stephanie, Emma Smart (third row) Emily Brockelbank, Biff Whipster, Amy Pritchard, Paul Sheeky, Louis McKechnie (bottom row) Roman Paulch, Ben Taylor, Ana Heyatawin, David, Oliver Roc, Tracey Mallaghan and Tim Speers

Insulate Britain published photographs showing some 32 activist faces who are facing up to 2 years prison sentences for contempt. These are Rowan Tilly and Dr Diana Warner (left to right), Ruth Jarman, Jess Causby and Steve Gower. Rowan Tilly, Rowan Tilly, Jess Causby and Steve Gower. Reverend Sue Parfitt is in the second row.

A truck carrying insulation was blocked by Insulate Britain protesters at Parliament Square in Westminster on November 4

Insulate Britain protesters blocked a truck transporting insulation from Parliament Square, Westminster on November 4.

The Cop26 Climate Conference was condemned by the group in a statement yesterday. It also compared the Cop26 conference to Martin Luther King Jr.

One spokesperson said that the government did not plan to act in the best interest of its citizens after the failures at COP26. It failed in its most fundamental duties of protecting people. 

“When governments threaten their citizens, it is morally and just to point out the injustice by breaking the laws. This is exactly what Martin Luther King and the suffragettes did. We are asking everyone to follow this example. 

“Don’t just be an observer, join us to change history. How can you find a more worthwhile thing to do in this moment when your loved ones are at grave risk? 

Insulate Britain: Two months of chaos demonstrations have seen activists make a mockery out of the law

September 13,78 Insulate Britain protesters were arrested for blocking M25 intersections 6, 14, 20, and 31

September 15Over 50 people were arrested for attacking junctions 1-8, 9 and 23 on the M25.

September 17 48 protesters were detained after they attacked junctions 9, 28 and 25 of the M25 as well the M3.

September 20,29 people are detained after they blockade the M25 at intersections 4, 18 and 1, as well the A1.

September 21Protesters running in traffic near Junction 10 risk their lives. There are 38 arrests. National Highways receives an injunction for further protests against the M25

September 22Protesters torch copies of injunctions outside the Home Office and block access to the ministry. There have been no arrests

September 2439 protesters were detained after they blocked roads in three Dover locations. Under investigation, they are all being released. National Highways receives another injunction covering Dover.

September 27,53 protesters were detained for blocking the slip road at Junction 14 (M25). The investigation has led to their release.

September 28National Highways states it will seek legal advice on how to enforce the injunction.

September 29, – 27 protesters are arrested for blocking a roundabout at Junction 3 of the M25 on two occasions

September 30 – Protesters return to junction 30 at Thurrock in Essex, and nine are arrested

October 1, The group block the M4 at junction 3, the M1 at junction 1 and M25 at junction 25. There were 39 arrests

October 2,They are prohibited from blocking traffic or preventing access to major roads and motorways in London. 

October 4,After protesters blocked three roads leading to London, 38 were taken into custody 

October 8,19 people were arrested for protesting at the Old Street roundabout, and 16 more on the M25 at Junction 24. Transport for London is granted a High Court order prohibiting their obstruction of traffic in fourteen locations throughout London.

October 13Protesters are returning to the M25 at Junction 31 and an industrial estate nearby, where 35 were arrested.

October 25,Activists are targeting areas near Southwark Bridge and Canary Wharf, as well as Liverpool Street Station. 53 people were arrested.

October 27,: Protesters blockade North Acton’s A40, West London. Also, a large roundabout near the Dartford Crossing (Kent) The Metropolitan Police took 17 protesters into custody, and 32 were arrested by Kent Police.

September 29Ten activists were arrested for walking on the M25 in Essex between junctions 29 and 28. 

November 2– Police detain 20 activists from the M25 in South Mimms before they are allowed to get on the M25. However, other actions occur on the M56 Manchester with 11 arrests and the A4400 Birmingham.

November 4,62 people protest at Parliament Square, Westminster