The Grand National protesters who blocked the highway were fined

A group of protesters have been fined for blocking a motorway near Aintree Racecourse ahead of the 2023 Grand National.

Animal Rising activists sat on the road at Junction 2 of the M57 on 15 April 2023, causing queues.

The protest was part of a wider action which caused the race to be delayed by around 15 minutes.

Speaking after the sentencing, Inspector Ben Dyer said Merseyside Police respected the right to peaceful protest but criminal disorder “will not be tolerated”.

Four women and three men were found guilty of willfully obstructing a motorway following a trial at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court.

Lucia Alexander, 40, of Halle Lane in Wacton, Norfolk; Zoe Able, 28, of Leeders Pightle, Norfolk; Andrew Houghton, 67, of Mendip Crescent, Bedford, Tobias Brown, 49, of West Wycombe Road, High Wycombe; Sarah Love, 47, of no fixed address; and Jamie Carter, 29, of no fixed address, were fined between £180 and £300, each ordered to pay costs.

Eleanor Kenny, 19, of no fixed address, was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs.

Det Ch Insp Dyer said the seven “relied heavily on their right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights during their court hearing”.

“However, they have now all been found guilty,” he said

He said the force would always act when “the expression of views… devolves into criminal behavior and disorder”.

“Such actions put protesters and other road users at huge risk.

“Peaceful protest has its place in society, but that place is not in the middle of a highway.”