A MACHYNLLETH environmental campaigner facing a prison sentence after protesting at Heathrow Airport last year has spoken of the “overwhelming” support she has received.

Kara Moses was among 13 protesters — three of whom are from Machynlleth — who were last month found guilty of aggravated trespass and entering a security-restricted area of an aerodrome following a protest at the UK’s biggest airport on 13 July.

Acting on behalf of the group Plane Stupid, protesters cut a hole in fencing and tied themselves to railings on the airport’s north runway in protest against plans to expand the airport, causing flight delays and cancellations.

Appearing at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 25 January, Machynlleth campaigners Ms Moses, 32, Rebecca Sanderson, 28, and Richard Hawkins, 32, were all told they would inevitably face a prison term by District Judge Deborah Wright ahead of sentencing on Wednesday, 24 February.

Since then, a petition to “encourage an appeal outcome that reverses the threat of a custodial sentence” has gained more that 2,000 signatures, and almost 300 people have confirmed via a Facebook group that they will attend a protest on the steps of the court on the day of sentencing.

Speaking to the Cambrian News this week, Ms Moses expressed her “shock” at the judge’s comments but thanked people for their support.

“It has been a surreal couple of weeks,” said Ms Moses.

“The level of support has been overwhelming and I have had so many message of support in solidarity with our cause. It’s great that we have an awful lot of people behind us.”