Climate activists guilty of criminal damage over Van Gogh painting glue protest

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Sentencing the pair at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, District Judge Neeta Minhas said: “An 18th century frame which is hundreds of years old has been permanently damaged. “It is not minor, insignificant, temporary or trivial.” She continued: “I find you both guilty of criminal damage, having no lawful excuse to cause damage but you did so on a reckless basis.” Giving evidence, McKechnie had argued: “I believe that a completely logical person who is not a psychopath who owns a painting of this value by Vincent Van Gogh would have respected the artist’s wishes. But these are qualified rights, not absolute rights Jonathan Bryan, defending Mr Bryan said in response: “Van Gogh may have agreed with your actions but we don’t know because we can’t ask him.” Asked if the protests were receiving public support, McKechnie said: “In 1960, Martin Luther King was the most hated man in America. “Say the institute was to sell it on in 20 to 30 years, is it possible its value would now increase?” Ms Serres replied: “Absolutely not.” An 18th century frame which is hundreds of years old has been permanently damaged District Judge Neeta Minhas The witness said she believes the painting cannot be sold.