A north-east druid who was part of a group demanding ‘Free Stonehenge’ has been convicted of trespassing in the ancient stone circle.
Lisa Mead, 52, twice stepped over barriers and touched the stones along with two other pagans at the ancient site, breaking the rules which govern it.
Also convicted were witches Angela Grace, 46, and Maryam Halcrow, 56.
It is understood the group were concerned by English Heritage’s monetisation of the site, including charging large sums for Summer Solstice events.
Mead, of Banff in Aberdeenshire, and Halcrow of Swindon, Wilts, were part of an 11-strong group from the Free Stonehenge movement who ignored signs and warnings and walked up to the stones on February 4.
They had been warned by police they were contravening regulations but did so again on May 6, with Mead, Halcrow and Grace once more stepping over the rope barrier.
Swindon Magistrate’s Court heard that “solitary hedgewitch” Halcrow had wandered about singing and touching the stones.
The three women were found guilty of entering an inner cordon at Stonehenge, near Amesbury, Wilts, twice without reasonable excuse.
Judge Simon Cooper told them that future generations had the right to enjoy Stonehenge undamaged.
The court heard that English Heritage holds Summer Solstice when people can walk around the Stonehenge for a fee of £38.50.
Halcrow said the numbers of people, food stands, urinals and buses at this year’s Summer Solstice sickened her.
Judge Cooper told them: “Unseen, uncontrolled access to the site prejudices the rights of others to enjoy them for another 8,000 years.
“I have heard descriptions of the Solstice events and I can quite understand Miss Halcrow’s evidence that for her they were terrifying.
“They certainly destroy the sense of spirituality for those who wish to worship.”
But he said it was not for the magistrates’ court to deliberate on whether English Heritage’s policies were correct.
All thee pagans received a six-month conditional discharge and walked free from court.