Five animal rights activists were sentenced for causing over £7,000 in damage to the Queen Victoria Memorial fountain outside Buckingham Palace after pouring red dye into the water during a 2021 protest. The activists aimed to simulate a “bloodbath” to draw attention to their cause, but the act resulted in significant damage to the historic monument.
Judge Gregory Perrins criticized the protesters for their “arrogance” and disregard for the consequences of their actions.
Christopher Bennett, 33, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, to run concurrently with a previous sentence for public nuisance. The remaining four received 18-month suspended sentences and were ordered to pay compensation. The judge warned seasoned protester Louis McKechnie of a harsher sentence if he re-offended.
