OVER the last two weeks, 24 people have been convicted in court for their part in the disruption caused in the Thurrock district in April last year by campaigning members of the JustStopOil group.

Thedir actions included blocking roads and climbing on fuel tankers and petrol site installations, smashing fuel pumps and even scaling the QEII bridge and gantries on the M25 motorway.

There were a particularly high number of incidents in Grays throughout April, when and made police made a significant number of arrests. Scores of people were subsequently charged. 

Recently, those convicted have been ordered to pay a total of £8,528 in fines and court costs. 

Between two defendants, they were ordered to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work. 

Eight people are yet to be sentenced. 

The defendants were charged with aggravated trespass and wilful obstruction of the highway. 

Detective chief inspector Louise Metcalfe, who has led the Essex Police investigative response to the incidents of disruption, said: "The investigative team members continue to prepare a high volume of case load for court hearings in relation to the disruption we saw in Thurrock last year. 

"Understandably, the public will have strong opinions on the incidents, and I can assure you we have collated evidence to show the harm caused and the impact of these people's actions on our communities."

DCI Metcalfe added: "This must, of course, all be done within the law and it's down to courts to decide upon appropriate sentences."