Four climate activists have pleaded guilty to attempted trespass and criminal damage for planning to vandalise the home of Woodside CEO Meg O'Neill in August 2023. The group, members of Disrupt Burrup Hub, appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
The court heard that Matilda Lane-Rose, Jesse Noakes, Emil Davey and Gerard Mazza had scoped out O'Neill's ocean-side home days before the incident. On August 1, 2023, three of them arrived at the property with paint intended to splash on the gate and garage, while Lane-Rose planned to use a bike lock to secure herself to the gate. Police were already present and arrested them immediately.
Davey's lawyer Anthony Elliott said his client was an 'encourager' motivated by genuine environmental concerns. He noted that Davey had been threatened by police with a gun during reconnaissance the day before, which left him fearful. Chief Magistrate Steven Heath questioned whether the activists had 'crossed the line' by targeting O'Neill personally.
Noakes' lawyer Nick Terry described the planned action as a 'publicity stunt.' The police prosecutor opposed spent conviction orders for Davey and Lane-Rose, citing a lack of remorse. Outside court, the activists received applause from supporters. Davey stated, 'I'm not sorry to Ms O'Neill,' and criticised police for pulling a gun on him.
Sentencing for Noakes, Lane-Rose and Davey is set for Monday, while Mazza will learn his penalty later this month.
