Retford: Protestor scaled crane dressed as ‘Robin Hood’ in fracking protest

William Ross Thomson, 36, made the journey from his home in Falkirk to Notts in April to protest at Dart Energy, near Retford.

He was one of a number of protestors to breach security and climb the rig, which was being used for exploration purposes.

Thomson admitted refusing to come down and stayed there for more than eight hours.

Defending, Richard Brigden, told the court how Thomson, of Cairneymount Avenue, Maddiston, was an ‘expert’ in this field, with a degree in environmental science, and a masters in ecology.

“He did not simply log on to Youtube to see what was happening, his personal goal was to raise awareness,” he said.

“He was prepared to put himself in a position in which he could be criminalised because he believed Dart was contaminating the environment.”

District Judge Diane Baker said: “You’re a committed and intelligent man and are genuinely concerned about what was taking place.”

He was given 75 hours unpaid work, pay £150 costs and a £60 surcharge.