Ten travellers have been found in contempt of court and could face imprisonment for continuing to work on a caravan site near Sir Winston Churchill's family home, Chartwell, in defiance of a court injunction. The group installed drainage pipes and dug trenches at Seasons Farm in Pootings, Kent, despite a Dove order issued in August banning further development.
Injunction Breached
The High Court ruling follows a rapid transformation of the site into a caravan park within 48 hours last year, with work carried out at an 'extraordinary pace' on a Friday afternoon before a Bank Holiday weekend, allegedly to avoid council intervention. The land is located just a few miles from Chartwell, Churchill's home for over 40 years, now managed by the National Trust.
Local Outcry
Residents of the leafy village, where properties sell for millions, have described the travellers' behaviour as 'dreadful' and 'intimidating'. Complaints include egg-throwing, tree felling, and horses escaping onto roads. One local stated: 'It's been havoc. They do whatever they like. I'd like to see them jailed and fined to send a strong message.'
Twelve caravans remain on site, along with a £130,000 mobile home and a new BMW. The council alleged further breaches of the order after the initial injunction, leading to the contempt ruling.
Court Findings
Judge John Halford found that the men—Patrick Delaney, William Harrington, John Quilligan, Thomas O'Brien, Thomas Coffey, and others—planned the move and bought the land to 'form a settled base'. He ruled that drainage and trench work occurred after the Dove order was served, stating: 'The men either undertook these works, or permitted them, intentionally and knowingly.' He added that the cesspool project was a 'joint project for everyone's benefit', making all men responsible.
The judge also found the women—Amanda Coffey, Chantelle Harrington, Sharon O'Brien, Katerina O'Brien, and Naomi O'Brien—in contempt for breaching the orders, regardless of their knowledge of the terms.
Pattern of Encroachment
Similar traveller incursions have occurred on Bank Holiday weekends in Sundridge, Kent, and sites in Surrey and Hertfordshire, exploiting closed council offices. A Sevenoaks District Council spokesperson said: 'We welcome the judgement, but as proceedings continue, we cannot comment further.' The travellers declined to comment.
A separate sanctions hearing will determine penalties, including potential jail terms.
