A pro-Palestine activist who scaled the Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, and staged a 17-hour standoff with police, resulting in an estimated £92,000 cost to taxpayers, has received a suspended prison sentence. Daniel Day, 30, was sentenced to a 14-month prison term, suspended for two years, at Southwark Crown Court.
Day's protest on March 8 of last year triggered a significant police response and led to road closures around Westminster. He refused to descend the tower and livestreamed his demonstration on Instagram, chanting 'Free Palestine.' The judge noted that Day had a prior conditional discharge for failing to remove a facial disguise and had received fines for blocking a road during a protest in November.
The court heard that Day had researched the tower's restoration and wore thermal clothing for the climb, bringing a camera to livestream his actions. After reaching a ledge midway up the tower, he unfurled a Palestinian flag. He remained on the ledge until past midnight, during which time his feet began to bleed on the stonework. Police officers had to wait for him to agree to come down. As news of the protest spread, supporters gathered in Parliament Square.
During the protest, police closed Bridge Street, Westminster Bridge, and cordoned off areas of Whitehall and Victoria Embankment to manage traffic and limit Day's audience. The court was told that Transport for London (TfL) lost an estimated £25,000 in bus fares due to diversions and curtailed routes. Additionally, over 2,500 Parliament tours were canceled, costing £67,000. Dozens of police officers, a cherry picker, firefighters, and paramedics were on the scene throughout the 17-hour incident.
Day was found guilty of intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance and trespassing on a protected site. The judge acknowledged Day's failing eyesight as personal mitigation but stated that while strong principles are understandable, they do not grant a license to break the law. Day was ordered to attend up to 20 rehabilitation days and will be electronically monitored for four months. He hugged supporters after his sentencing.