The High Court has dismissed an application to commit an environmental protestor for contempt of court because he did not fall within the definition of “persons unknown”, it has been reported.
Dale Vincent was a resident of Glyncoch, South Wales, who led protests at Craig yr Hesg quarry on numerous occasions in 2024 and 2025.
The quarry owner, Hanson Quarry Products Europe, secured an injunction against persons unknown in June 2024 which was renewed in June 2025.
The company applied to commit Vincent for contempt of court for breaching the injunction in protests carried out in May and June 2025.
According to Vincent’s counsel, Toby Fisher of Matrix Chambers, Mr Justie Ritchie dismissed the application, finding that Vincent was, at the time the 2024 and 2025 injunctions were granted, well known to the claimant as an instigator of the protest activity, and a person who had repeatedly carried out exactly the conduct the injunctions sought to prohibit.
“The judge accepted the submissions made on Mr Vincent’s behalf that he was not, therefore, a ‘person unknown’ and was excluded from the scope of the injunction,” Fisher said.
He also noted that Ritchie J distinguished Cuciurean v Secretary of State for Transport & Anor [2022] EWCA Civ 1519 and emphasised the exceptional nature of the “persons unknown” jurisdiction and the importance of personal service on all known persons in relation to whom a cause of action had already accrued.
Residents in Glyncoch, Pontypridd, have raised serious complaints regarding the Craig-yr-Hesg quarry, focusing on severe dust pollution, significant noise, and structural damage to homes from blasting. Despite local opposition and initial rejection by the local council, the Welsh Government approved a major expansion, causing ongoing distress regarding long-term health, air quality, and heavy HGV traffic.
Key Complaints and Issues
- Property Damage: Residents have reported cracked walls and damage to properties, attributing this to consistent blasting.
- Environmental Impact: High levels of dust (silica dust) are a major concern, with residents expressing concerns about respiratory issues, including asthma.
- Blasting & Noise: Residents complain of intense vibrations and that blast times are sometimes not properly advertised, causing panic.
- Traffic & Safety: Complaints regarding heavy lorry traffic (HGVs) along local roads and near residential areas.
Background
The Craig-yr-Hesg Quarry (operated by Heidelberg Materials) received permission to extend in 2022 following a public inquiry. Despite opposition, it was determined that the quality of the stone (high-grade sandstone) outweighed the local objections, leading to a 25-year extension. Monitoring of the site continues by local authorities.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp4lk9417vlo
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