Solicitor general to appeal over case of climate activist who held sign on jurors’ rights

Trudi Warner, 68, (third from left) from Walthamstow, east London, and supporters holding up signs outside the Old Bailey in central London last year. Photograph: Emily Pennink/PA

The government’s most senior law officer is to appeal against a decision not to allow a contempt of court action against climate campaigner Trudi Warner for holding a placard on the rights of jurors outside a British court, the Guardian can reveal.

Mr Justice Saini ruled at the high court last month there was no basis to take action against Warner, 69, for holding up the sign informing jurors of their right to acquit a defendant based on their conscience. He said the government’s claim that her behaviour fell into the category of criminal contempt was “fanciful”.