R. v Hallam and others (‘Heathrow Pause’ drone protest)

Roger Hallam, the co-founder of climate group Extinction Rebellion, and three other defendants were charged with conspiracy to cause public nuisance. It was said that the defendants conspired with others to fly drones within the airport's restricted fly zone. The intention was said to be to close the airport until the government agreed to withdraw its policy backing for a new third runway. On December 15, 2023, after a four-week trial, Hallam and another defendant were found guilty. They were each given a two-year suspended prison sentences. A third defendant had previously pleaded guilty, while a fourth defendant was found not guilty. Hallam and the other defendant who was found guilty, Dr Larch Maxey, appealed the decision, arguing that they had not intended to cause public nuisance by forcing Heathrow Airport to close; rather the protest aimed to attract attention to the proposed expansion of the airport, which they oppose. On April 14, 2025, the Court of Appeals (Criminal Division) dismissed the appeal, finding there were no bases for overturning the conviction.