A protester who scaled the Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, in Westminster last March has been given a suspended prison sentence. Daniel Day, 30, from Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, received a 14-month sentence, suspended for two years, at Southwark Crown Court on Monday. His actions on 8 March 2025, which saw him sit on the iconic landmark for 17 hours while displaying a Palestinian flag, led to widespread disruption and a substantial cost to public funds.
The court heard that Day's barefoot ascent of the tower triggered a major emergency services response, including the deployment of numerous police officers from across London, firefighters, and paramedics. Westminster Bridge was closed, and mattresses were placed at the tower's base as a precaution due to his precarious position. Transport for London (TfL) estimated a loss of £25,000 in bus fares due to diversions and curtailed routes, contributing to an overall estimated taxpayer cost of £92,000 for the incident.
Judge Tony Baumgartner, the recorder of Westminster, described Day's actions as "well-planned offending," emphasising that he was fully aware of the potential dangers and consequences. While acknowledging Day's strong personal mitigation, including failing eyesight, the judge noted his apparent lack of remorse or insight into the seriousness of his actions. However, it was also noted that Day had not committed any further offences since the Big Ben incident.
As part of his suspended sentence, Day has been ordered to attend up to 20 rehabilitation days and will be electronically monitored for a period of four months. This incident follows previous legal troubles for Day, who received a conditional discharge in June 2024 for failing to remove a facial disguise and was fined £200 in November 2024 for blocking a road during a separate protest.
Judge Baumgartner reiterated that having strong principles does not grant an individual a license to break the law. He stressed the importance of adhering to the country's legal framework, stating that if individuals were allowed to selectively follow laws, it would lead to a breakdown of the rule of law.