Q1problem
See model answer ↓Anna and Brian are environmental activists who plan to sabotage a chemical plant they believe is illegally dumping toxic waste into a river. Their plan involves breaking into the plant at night and opening the main drainage valves to flush the storage tanks with clean water, neutralising the chemicals before they can reach the river. Anna researches the plant layout and identifies a security guard roster showing only one guard, David, will be on duty. Brian obtains specialist tools to open the valves. On the night, Anna cuts the perimeter fence while Brian disables the CCTV system. Inside, they encounter David who challenges them. Anna tells David, "Leave now or we'll lock you in the control room." David refuses to leave and physically blocks their path. Brian pushes David aside, causing David to fall and fracture his hip. Anna and Brian then open the drainage valves but miscalculate the water pressure. The resulting flood causes £500,000 damage to the plant and the discharge of untreated chemicals into the river, killing fish for a two-mile stretch. A nearby resident, Eleanor, drinks contaminated water before the pollution is detected and suffers kidney damage requiring hospitalisation. Discuss the criminal liability of Anna and Brian, considering property offences, non-fatal offences against the person, environmental offences, and any available defences including duress of circumstances and necessity.