Sarah-Jane Ewart, Margo Munro Kerr and Megan Curran successfully overturn convictions of student pro-Palestine protestors who protested at the University of Leicester.

10 pro-Palestine protestors were convicted of aggravated trespass in the Magistrates’ Court. The defendants argued that they had rights of access, as protestors and/or as students at their own university, and that they were permitted to occupy a building on 14 November 2024. The District Judge found he could not be sure they were not trespassers. One co-defendant was acquitted.

The 10 convicted protestors appealed their convictions to the Crown Court. Following joint legal submissions by their legal team, the Crown conceded the appeal.

It was noted in Court that an important point of consideration was the disproportionate impact of the prosecution on the students, who were young people of good character.

The case raised important issues around students’ freedom of expression.

Coverage of the case can be found via Dazed and Liberty.

SJ, Margo and Meghan were all instructed by Sophia Dutton of Kellys Solicitors. Co-defendants were represented by Nicola Hall at Robert Lizars.

For more information, or to instruct Margo, SJ or Meghan, please contact our clerks at [email protected].