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Water CEO Under Guard After Activist 'Citizen's Arrest'
12 Jan
Summary
- Water CEO received a bodyguard following an activist citizen's arrest.
- Activists accused the CEO of four counts of public nuisance.
- The incident occurred while the CEO was en route to an industry conference.
Southern Water's chief executive, Lawrence Gosden, has been placed under security detail following an incident where environmental activists performed a 'citizen's arrest' on him. The activists accused Mr. Gosden of four counts of public nuisance, citing illegal sewage spills, poor maintenance, and alleged fund mismanagement. This action occurred as he was heading to an industry conference in London.
The 'citizen's arrest' by groups like the Citizen's Arrest Network is part of a growing trend of direct action against water company leaders. Similar detentions have targeted CEOs of Anglian Water and Thames Water, prompting unprecedented security measures for industry executives. Southern Water employees are also reportedly receiving protective gear due to escalating aggression.
Southern Water's environmental record includes a significant toxic plastic bead spill in November on Camber Sands, East Sussex, which was described as an ecological disaster. The company is also facing scrutiny over customer bill increases, with the Environment Secretary urging Mr. Gosden to reject a substantial pay rise amidst customer dissatisfaction.
