Muller dairy protesters ordered to do unpaid work

Two more activists who were convicted over a blockade at a Muller dairy site in Worcestershire have been fined and ordered to carry out unpaid work.

The Animal Rebellion members blocked the factory in Droitwich, in September 2022, as part of a campaign to encourage people to eat plant-based food.

Protesters climbed onto trucks, milk silos and loading bays while some glued themselves to the ground and chained themselves to fences, Worcester Crown Court was told.

Kat Chan, 23, and Ben Pattison, 31, were ordered to carry out up to 240 hours unpaid work and pay fines of more than £1,000 each.

Muller plants in Gloucestershire and Somerset were also targeted as was Arla's milk factory in Buckinghamshire.

Chan and Pattison were both convicted of conspiracy to commit criminal damage, while Chan was convicted of having an article with intent to destroy or damage property, having denied all the offences.

Pattison was found guilty of of intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance.

Pattison was ordered to pay £1,200 and complete 220 hours of unpaid work.

Chan has been told to compete 240 hours of unpaid work and pay a fine of £1,500.

Five more defendants were sentenced earlier with community service orders ranging from 120 to 240 hours.

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.