July 19, 2019
Sailesh Mehta represented the lead protestor who was charged with disrupting the work of HS2 Limited which is involved in one of the largest construction projects in the UK. The protestors fear that the company has breached its duty to protect flora and fauna and that its piling activity puts at risk one of London’s largest underground source of drinking water. The thrust of the defence case was that HS2 were not acting lawfully when Sarah Green disrupted their works by sitting on top of a digger and Laura Hughes chained herself to the digger. Both were charged with aggravated trespass. Both were acquitted on the second day of trial. Sarah Green is a 63 year old activist who will be the Green Party candidate in the next general election. Sailesh was instructed by Advicewise Solicitors and represented the defendant on a pro bono basis.
[PRESS REPORT [THE GUARDIAN]]