An environmental protester from St Albans has been given a suspended prison sentence after breaking the windows of a finance company, which is the world's largest lender to fossil fuel companies.

Stephanie Aylett, a member of the Extinction Rebellion movement and a former medical device representative, appeared at Inner London Crown Court, together with four co-defendants.

The five women, who say they "broke glass in case of climate emergency" at JPMorgan Chase's European headquarters, were sentenced for £306,000 worth of criminal damage.

Stephanie Aylett (third from left), from St Albans, has been handed a suspended sentence and must complete unpaid work in the community.Stephanie Aylett (third from left), from St Albans, has been handed a suspended sentence and must complete unpaid work in the community. (Image: Extinction Rebellion)

One of the protesters - Amy Pritchard from Liverpool - was given a 12-month jail sentence, while 29-year-old Aylett and the other three were given a total of 45 months suspended sentences between them, plus a total of 330 hours of unpaid work in their communities.

All five have lodged appeals against their convictions.

JPMorgan Chase says it is shifting its financing portfolio away from fossil fuels, after facing years of pressure from shareholders and environmental activists.