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  • Writer's picturebizjetnation
    • Aug 16
    • 3 min read

Just Stop Oil Activists Deny Charges of Vandalizing Private Jets at Airport Linked to Taylor Swift

Two activists from the environmental group Just Stop Oil have pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal damage and interfering with national infrastructure after allegedly spray-painting private jets at Stansted Airport. The incident, which took place in June, has drawn significant media attention due to the involvement of Taylor Swift's private jet, although it was not present at the time.

Key Takeaways

  • Two Just Stop Oil activists, Jennifer Kowalski and Cole Macdonald, have pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal damage and interfering with national infrastructure.

  • The activists allegedly used angle grinders to break through an airport fence and spray-painted two private jets with orange paint.

  • The private jets were owned by Prudential Insurance and an investment group.

  • Taylor Swift's private jet was not at the airport during the incident, despite initial claims by the activists.

  • The cost of cleaning up the paint is estimated at £52,000, with additional costs for fence repairs and extra security.

  • The trial is scheduled for September 2025, with a pre-trial review set for August 2024.

The Incident

On June 20, 2024, Jennifer Kowalski, 28, from Dumbarton, and Cole Macdonald, 22, from Brighton, allegedly broke into Stansted Airport using angle grinders. The activists then used fire extinguishers filled with orange paint to spray two private jets. The incident occurred around 5 a.m., and the activists filmed themselves during the act.

Legal Proceedings

Both Kowalski and Macdonald appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges. They were granted bail with conditions, including that they do not go within a mile of any airport except while on moving public transport. The trial is set to begin in September 2025 and is expected to last three to four days.

Financial Impact

Prosecutors have estimated the cost of cleaning up the paint at £52,000. However, the full financial impact, including the cost of repairing the fence and additional security measures, has not yet been determined. The incident also caused a 38-minute delay, affecting 75 flights and thousands of passengers.

Taylor Swift's Involvement

Initial reports suggested that the activists targeted Taylor Swift's private jet, which had landed at Stansted Airport just hours before the incident. However, Essex Police confirmed that Swift's jet was not at the airport at the time. The pop star has faced criticism for her use of private jets, with environmentalists pointing out the significant carbon emissions associated with such travel.

Broader Context

Just Stop Oil is known for its high-profile protests aimed at drawing attention to climate change and the use of fossil fuels. The group has previously disrupted sporting events, vandalized famous landmarks, and blocked traffic to make their point. The Stansted Airport incident is part of a broader campaign to highlight the environmental impact of private air travel.

Future Actions

The pre-trial review is scheduled for August 2024, with the trial set to commence the following month. Both activists remain free on bail but are restricted in their movements as part of their bail conditions. The case continues to attract media attention, particularly due to the involvement of high-profile figures like Taylor Swift.

The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for future actions by environmental groups and the legal consequences they may face.

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