An east Suffolk Just Stop Oil activist is among four protestors who have been jailed for digging tunnels under roads causing widespread disruption. 

Samuel Johnson, 41, who is of Reydon, near Southwold, and other members of Just Stop Oil targeted roads around Thurrock's industrial estates and docks in August 2022. 

The group obstructed the roads and built tunnels around them - causing disruption to drivers and businesses in the area. 

The tunnels dug were dangerous and poorly excavated putting the group and members of the public in the area at risk, and resulted in expensive repairs to the road network required for heavy goods vehicles.

Samuel Johnson in the tunnels close to Grays Oil TerminalSamuel Johnson in the tunnels close to Grays Oil Terminal (Image: Just Stop Oil)

Following a hearing at Basildon Crown Court on Friday, September 6, Johnson was jailed for 18 months for intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance and criminal damage.

Chris Bennett, Joe Howlett and Larch Maxey were also locked up, while Alice Wharrie received a suspended sentence.

Speaking after the sentencings, Assistant Chief Constable at Essex Police Rachel Nolan welcomed the jail terms handed to the protestors.

She said: "This group put themselves and so many others in danger with their reckless actions.

“The real impact of this behaviour is felt by the local businesses , owned by and employing the people of Thurrock, who were unable to do an honest day’s work to pay their bills for this fortnight.

“We believe the financial impact on the local area is more than £2million due to the huge number of those affected.

“I would also like to thank everyone involved in this investigation - this required a huge number of police officers and representatives from dozens of partner agencies and affected businesses to initially secure the site, arrest those involved and build the case we have seen conclude with these sentences.

“It’s hard work, and it’s right the actions of this group do not go unpunished.”