An environmental activist who caused thousands of pounds in damage by throwing pink paint on public buildings in Norwich has been ordered to pay just £750 towards costs and complete 150 hours of unpaid work. Gabriella Ditton, a 32-year-old illustrator and animator, was convicted by majority verdict of targeting the historic bronze doors of Norwich City Council's headquarters, while her fellow campaigner Nicola Stickells, 55, was acquitted of all charges.
Protest Details and Court Proceedings
The incident occurred on February 15, 2021, as part of a campaign called Burning Pink, which aimed to highlight what the activists described as local authorities' inaction on the climate crisis. Ditton and Stickells used a diesel Mercedes Vito van to drive to both Norfolk County Council's County Hall and Norwich City Council's City Hall, where they hurled paint on the main doors, causing between £3,000 and £4,000 in damage. They live-streamed the protest and later handed themselves in to police.
Legal Arguments and Verdicts
At Norwich Crown Court, Stickells argued that her actions constituted a lawful protest, leading to her acquittal on both criminal damage charges. Ditton, who represented herself, admitted involvement but claimed the water-based paint was watered down and that the protest was intended to raise awareness rather than cause maximum damage. She was convicted only for the City Hall incident, with supporters gasping in court when she was acquitted for the County Hall attack.
During sentencing, Judge Anthony Bate emphasized that the City Hall doors are a cultural and heritage asset, requiring significant funds for repairs. He imposed a 12-month community order alongside the financial penalty and unpaid work. Prosecutor Jude Durr noted the high level of planning involved, describing the doors as celebrating Norwich's history and craftsmanship.
Activists' Motivations and Hypocrisy Claims
Stickells, a mother-of-two from Needham who studied environmental science at the University of East Anglia, testified that she and Ditton were desperate to shock people out of complacency about climate change. She defended the use of a diesel van, stating that transporting the paint by bus or bicycle was impractical. When questioned about potential hypocrisy, Ditton replied that any environmental impact from the van was overshadowed by broader ecological damage.
Both councils had received an email warning a month prior, demanding action on climate change or facing non-violent direct action. Ditton, who has been involved in groups like Extinction Rebellion, Insulate Britain, and Just Stop Oil since 2020, has 12 convictions for 17 offences. She told the court that traditional methods like letters and marches had failed to effect change.
Broader Context of Protest Acquittals
This case follows a trend of activists being cleared of criminal charges by citing rights to protest under the European Convention on Human Rights. For instance, three Just Stop Oil members were acquitted in October last year after spraying orange powder on Stonehenge, arguing peaceful intentions and freedom of speech. Similarly, Extinction Rebellion members were cleared in 2022 for obstructing a railway in East London.
MPs have warned that such verdicts could encourage further crimes, but activists like Stickells maintain that the climate crisis justifies urgent action. Speaking after the trial, she stated, This is not a victory for us. We are facing the greatest threat humanity has ever known. We need many more people to stand up, take action, and force the changes that are so desperately needed.
