Fracking protesters’ ‘absurdly harsh’ jail sentences spark calls for judicial review backed by hundreds of scientists

Exclusive Environmental protestors the first to receive prison terms since 1932 Peak District mass protest which established “right to roam”, solicitors say

• Alex Matthews-King
• Independent

More than 200 academics have signed a letter calling for a judicial review of “absurdly harsh” prison sentences handed to three fracking protesters on Wednesday.

An open letter, started by staff at the University of Sussex says that the jail terms of between 15 and 16 months for halting a convoy of lorries carrying shale drilling equipment “set a dangerous precedent”.

Simon Roscoe Blevins, 26, Richard Roberts, 36, and…

• Fracking protesters’ ‘absurdly…