A Green Party councillor is facing calls to quit after she was convicted of criminal damage for smashing up a Norwich bank's windows with a hammer during a climate protest.
Amanda Fox was found guilty earlier this week of attacking the St James Court branch of Barclays in 2021 during an Extinction Rebellion demonstration.
Mike Stonard, leader of Norwich City Council, has called for her to resign immediately for the "violent criminal act".
But Ms Fox has defied calls to step down, arguing she has been "overwhelmed with messages of support" and has called for politicians to take more action toward tackling climate change.
READ MORE: Norwich Green councillor defies calls to stand down
“It is unacceptable for elected representatives to believe that, when they lose an argument or don’t get what they want, they can resort to criminal actions," he said.
"Either you believe in democracy and the rule of law or you don’t. You can’t have it both ways.
“This was not a legal non-violent protest. It was a violent criminal act. Any staff in the bank must have been terrified and councillor Fox should apologise to them."
READ MORE: Extinction Rebellion activists spared jail
Ms Fox, who is the Green councillor for Mancroft ward, and fellow protestor Jennifer Parkhouse, 71, were found guilty by a 10-1 majority at King's Lynn Crown Court on Tuesday (August 8) for the crime.
Ms Fox used a hammer to break windows during an Extinction Rebellion protest against Barclays' investments in fossil fuels.
John Fairhead, prosecuting, had described the protest as “theatrical and dramatic”, designed to gain maximum publicity.
But the judge acknowledged "no violence" was directed to any individuals and Ms Fox said they had chosen the branch and time of day because it would be very quiet.
READ MORE: Extinction Rebellion protesters arrested for smashing Barclays windows
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Mr Stonard has argued that the protest has damaged the councillor's reputation and brought the council into dispute.
“When Councillor Fox stood for election to the city council last May, her leaflets made no mention of this impending case, even though it was known" added Mr Stonard.
"She even stated in her leaflets that she had been working hard tackling crime and anti-social behaviour. This was utter hypocrisy.
"Councillors are leaders in their communities and are expected to set a positive example.
"She has damaged the reputation of her office and has brought the council into disrepute.
"The Green Party must unreservedly apologise for the hypocrisy, the deception, and the lack of honesty with the electorate."
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