Punishment Must Be Proportional says Bill Revans

Statement on the prison sentence of 26 months for Frome West Green Party Councillor Mick Dunk following a “Just Stop Oil” protest three years ago:

“The judiciary and specific legal cases normally need to be kept independent from party political comment.

“However the awful treatment of Frome West Green Party Councillor Mick Dunk now calls into question the fairness of our judicial system in cases where people are protesting non-violently.

“Mick absolutely broke the law on a Just Stop Oil protest disrupting the lives of many. There certainly needs to be proportional consequences for law breaking.

“However a custodial sentence of over two years for a respected, sincere and kind man in his 70s is appalling. He has served the community of Frome well and his contributions to Somerset Council debate have been hugely appreciated.

“Our prisons are overcrowded and expensive. A community payback order and/or a suspended sentence would have been much more appropriate.

“I fully agree with those that say that Councillors are community leaders and should step aside if convicted of serious offences.

“My thoughts are with Mick, Alliss and all his friends and family affected by this incredibly harsh sentence.”