A 23-year-old Norwich woman has been told it is almost inevitable that she will be jailed over a protest at Heathrow Airport last year.
Ella Gilbert, of Magdalen Street in Norwich, was one of 13 protesters who were found guilty of aggravated trespass and entering a security-restricted area of an aerodrome after they chained themselves to railings at Heathrow Airport.
The members of the Plane Stupid campaign group cut a hole in a fence and made their way on to the north runway at Heathrow in July last year.
Giving her verdict at Willesden Magistrates' Court, District Judge Deborah Wright said the cost of the disruption at the airport on July 13 2015 was 'absolutely astronomical'.
The demonstrators had admitted being on the runway but claimed their actions were necessary to stop people dying from the effects of pollution and climate change.
Supporters packed the public gallery this afternoon, with one calling proceedings 'a farce' and others shouting 'shame on you' at the judge.
Those convicted were clapped and cheered as they left the courtroom. They have been bailed to appear for sentencing on February 24.
Reacting to the judgment, Plane Stupid issued a statement saying the action they took had been 'sorely needed'.
It said: 'When the democratic, legislative processes have failed, it takes the actions of ordinary people to change them.'
The group also thanked supporters and said it is proud of what its members had done.
It added: 'Climate change and air pollution from Heathrow are killing people now, and the Government's response is to spend millions making the problem bigger.
'As long as airport expansion is on the agenda, Plane Stupid will be here. We're in it for the long haul.'
Supporters stood with banners and placards to welcome the protesters as they made their way outside the court building.
Rob Gray, director of the Back Heathrow campaign, said: 'Plane Stupid do not represent the majority of local residents who want to see a bigger, better Heathrow - or the millions of people who simply want to use the airport uninterrupted and unmolested.
'The self-indulgent actions that contributed to the guilty verdict were undemocratic and - put simply - plain stupid.
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