A Kendal woman has been found guilty of being involved in a conspiracy to disrupt Manchester Airport.
Margaret Reid, 54, of Low Fellside, was one of four people found guilty at a trial at Minshall Crown Court of conspiracy to intentionally cause a public nuisance. A fifth man was found not guilty.
Greater Manchester Police said: “In the early hours of the morning on Monday August 5 2024, officers arrested four people near Manchester Airport, and one man in Birmingham.
“They detained four people, Indigo Rumbelow, Margaret Reid, Leanorah Ward, and Daniel Knorr, walking along South Park Road in Gatley, as they were making their way to Manchester Airport.
“They were equipped with heavy duty bolt cutters, angle grinders, glue, sand, Just Stop Oil high visibility vests and a leaflet containing instructions to follow when interacting with police.
“Ward was also found in possession of a handwritten note which detailed the motive of the group; to enter the airfield of Manchester Airport and to then contact the police to alert them of their activity.”
Police said the quartet were planning to stick themselves to the taxiway using the glue and sand, with one main goal; to disrupt airport activity and gain media attention.
Superintendent Helen Caldbeck, GMP operational commander for Manchester Airport, said: “This group had gone to significant trouble and expense in the preparation of the intended action that morning.
“If they had gained access to the airfield, not only would they have placed themselves in extreme danger, but they would have caused untold disruption to travellers and holiday makers.”
Natalie Mackenzie, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “This was a planned and targeted attack against one of the country’s busiest airports which could have caused significant disruption.
“Their plan displayed a clear disregard for members of the public using the airport at the height of summer.
“The right to protest is important but it must be balanced against the rights of other citizens to go about their daily business.”
Sentencing is due to take place on May 23.
