Just Stop Oil Trio Found Guilty After Wimbledon Court Protest
Three senior members of environmental group Just Stop Oil have been convicted of aggravated trespass after disrupting Wimbledon matches last year. Deborah Wilde (69), Simon Milner-Edwards (67), and William Ward (66) caused chaos by throwing confetti and puzzle pieces on Court 18 during the prestigious tennis tournament.
Confetti Chaos Shuts Down Show Court
The trio admitted climbing over a barrier and littering the court with tinsel and jigsaw pieces in July. Their stunt interrupted matches featuring stars like Grigor Dimitrov, Sho Shimabukuro, Katie Boulter, and Daria Saville.
Wimbledon staff and Boulter herself helped clear the mess after the protest. Deputy District Judge Steven Jonas acknowledged the defendants’ calm conduct but ruled their actions caused significant disruption.
Protesters Show No Regrets Despite Guilty Verdict
Milner-Edwards said he felt “peace and resolve” and cited deep concern for the global environmental crisis. Ward stood firm, highlighting the protest’s wide publicity. The court rejected their climate change motivations as a legal defence.
The court handed down conditional discharges: Wilde and Ward got six months, while Milner-Edwards received an 18-month discharge.
Just Stop Oil’s Wimbledon Stunt Part of Wider Protest Spree
This Wimbledon disruption is the latest in a string of Just Stop Oil protests at major UK events, including the World Snooker Championships and the Ashes at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) has since beefed up security to tackle potential repeat protests.
Court 18, targeted in this stunt, is one of Wimbledon’s main show courts, hosting top-ranked players and drawing major media attention—making it a prime stage for activists seeking the spotlight.
