Just Stop Oil activists were told they should feel “proud” as they avoided jail time for blocking the Esso Fuel Terminal in Birmingham last April.
A judge has sparked fury for being a “soft-touch” on the seven protesters who caused widespread chaos as petrol stations were forced to close due to supply issues.
Paul Barnes, Paul Fawkesley and Alan Woods were each made to pay costs of £500.
While Oliver Clegg, Jon Deery, Harley Brewer, Diana Hekt have been charged costs of £250 each.
The seven were sentenced to a 12 month conditional discharge and are required to pay a £22 surcharge at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court.
Protests at the Esso fuel terminal in Birmingham caused chaos for 12 hours
Joe Giddens
While urging them not to break the law again, Judge Wilkinson said: “You should feel proud that you care, have concern for the future. Good people doing the wrong thing cannot make the wrong thing right.”
A further two protesters, Naomi Goddard and Sylvie More, were both declared not-guilty because the Crown Prosecution Service “offered no evidence” against them.
The Judge said: “It's abundantly clear that you are all good people. You are intelligent, articulate and a pleasure to deal with.
“It's unarguable that man-made global warming is real and we are facing a climate emergency.
“Your aims are admirable and it is accepted by me and the Crown Prosecution Service that your views are reasonable and genuinely held.
“Your aims are ably and genuinely articulated and are supported by the science.”
The Judge added: “When the United Nations Secretary General gives a speech saying that the activity of fossil fuel companies is incompatible with human survival, we should all be very aware of the need for change.
“Millions of people, and I do not dispute that it may be as many as 1 billion people, will be displaced as a result of climate change.
“No-one can criticise your motivations. You all gave evidence that was deeply moving. I certainly was moved.
“The tragedy is that good people have felt so much, without hope, that you feel you have to come into conflict with the criminal justice system.
“Thank you for opening my eyes to certain things. Most, I was acutely and depressingly aware of, but there were certain things.
The Judge has received criticism online following the court hearing
Matthew Cooper
“I say this and I mean this sadly, I have to convict you. You are good people and I will not issue a punitive sentence. Your arrests and loss of good character are sufficient.
“Good people doing the wrong thing cannot make the wrong thing right. I don't say this, ever, but it has been a pleasure dealing with you.
“You should feel guilty for nothing. You should feel proud that you care, have concern for the future. I urge you not to break the law again. Good luck to all of you.”
The Judge’s comments sparked anger on social media, with one user saying: “What an extraordinary judgement - in every sense of both words.”
Another argued: “Well he should be sacked. His opinion means nothing. He’s supposed to up hold the law of the UK.”
