Bristol Doctor Jailed for Attacking Petrol Pumps at Motorway Services
A Bristol GP has been sentenced to 12 months for vandalizing petrol pumps to protest climate change
Bristol, UK, Dr Patrick Hart, Just Stop Oil, Extinction Rebellion
Bristol: A local GP, Dr. Patrick Hart, recently made headlines for a rather dramatic protest. He vandalized 16 petrol pumps at a motorway service station, smashing their screens and spraying paint on them. This act was captured on video and shared by the environmental group Just Stop Oil.
Dr. Hart, who’s 38, was sentenced to a year in prison after being found guilty of the damage he caused back in 2022 at a service station on the M25 in Essex. His patients from Bedminster have been rallying around him, showing their support online.
Even though he admitted to the damage, he pleaded ‘not guilty,’ claiming he did it out of care for others to highlight the climate crisis. He works at the Bridge View Medical group, and many patients have expressed how much they appreciate him.
Comments from the community have been heartfelt. One patient called him a “bloody lovely GP,” while another said he would be a “big loss” to the area. They described him as a warm person who truly listens to his patients.
Dr. Hart was convicted last October, and his recent sentencing has led to concerns about his medical career. The General Medical Council is reviewing his case, and he could potentially lose his license.
Despite the legal troubles, many in Bedminster are hopeful he’ll be allowed to return to practice. They’ve shared how caring he is and how much he’ll be missed. Dr. Hart was also involved in other high-profile protests, including one at the Rugby Final at Twickenham.
While some support his methods, others in the community feel differently. A local resident mentioned that there are better ways to protest than breaking the law. It’s a mixed bag of opinions, but one thing’s for sure: this story has sparked quite a conversation in Bristol.