SENIOR police officers have commented on the latest raft of convictions of energy and conservation campaigners who protested in Thurrock.

A statement says: "In 2022, we experienced a number of incidents of disruption in Essex which were carried out by a group of people focused on the Thurrock area of the county. 

"This series included a man who caused criminal damage to 16 fuel pump display screens at a fuel station forecourt in Arterial Road, West Thurrock. 

"Dr Patrick Hart was one of a larger group which arrived at the station early on 24 August 2022.  The group blocked the entrance to the forecourt whilst Hart and a second man left the group. Hart produced a glass break hammer and spray paint and began using both on the 16 screens. 

"When officers were alerted to the incident, Hart was subsequently arrested, and his bag was searched. Inside, officers found the hammer and orange spray paint. 

"He was subsequently charged with criminal damage valued at about £11,000.  

"He denied the charge but a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court found him guilty after 15 minutes of deliberation." 

Hart, 38, of Lodway Road, Bristol, was sentenced to 12 months in prison when he appeared at the same court on 7 January. He must serve six months in prison and will be subject to monitoring upon his release. He also received civil conviction for criminal damage. 

A second man involved in damaging the forecourt had previously admitted criminal damage and was sentenced last year. 

Hart's conviction takes the total number of convictions relating to road-related disruption in Essex since 2022 to 199, with six people still awaiting trial. 

As part of these complex and far-reaching investigations, individuals have received total immediate jail sentences of 18 years and eight months and convicted defendants have been ordered to pay £73,636. 

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow, who has overseen our response to roads and infrastructure-related disruptions, said: "Dr Hart's actions were deliberate and intentional and led to the closure of a business for the vast majority of the day.

"Not only was it forced to close, but the business was also left with a substantial amount of damage which had to be repaired."

Ch Supt Anslow added: "Throughout these incidents, our priority was always to keep our county – and the country – moving in the face of efforts of others who were intent on causing disruption. 

"We've repeatedly said that we are a police force which recognises legitimate protest as it is enshrined in law. But criminal disruption will not be tolerated and almost 200 people have now been convicted for their parts in it in Essex. 

"I would continue to urge anyone who is thinking about involving themselves in acts of disruption to think again. Your actions will only lead to a criminal offence being committed and, inevitably, you ending up with a criminal record."