Campaigner's 'years of hell' over as lawsuit ends
BBCA campaigner said he was "relieved" to see an end to "years of sheer hell" after a lawsuit against him was dropped.
Jeff Thomson was sued for his role in a campaign called Fresh Air for Penrith, which highlighted concerns over bad odour in the Cumbrian town.
Dubbed by locals as the "Penrith Pong", it was linked to the town's Omega Proteins animal rendering factory, but its operator Leo Group has said the smell comes from "various sources".
The firm said it rejected assertions its legal action constituted a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP). It said the decision to discontinue proceedings "should not be interpreted as any reflection on the underlying merits of the claim".
A company spokesperson said the decision was made "in order to bring an end to what had become a lengthy and resource‑intensive dispute".
Thomson said he received his first legal letter in February 2023 and believed the company's action had been launched to "try and shut me up and halt the campaign".
He said: "After putting me through years of sheer hell, with the prospect of facing significant defence legal costs and a High Court ruling against me, the company has backed down.
"For the benefit of my neighbours and wider community, I am relieved that these tactics have failed."
Following an inspection in 2025, the Environment Agency said it found no breaches in the plant's environmental permit.
Leo Group said its claim had been "carefully assessed" by specialists in defamation and libel laws and the company was advised there were "proper grounds" for the action.
A spokesperson said: "[It] was a measured and proportionate response to specific statements and actions of Mr Thomson identified as actionable, not a broad attempt to restrict public discussion."
The UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition, which has been supporting Thomson, said campaigns such as his were important to local democracy.
A spokesperson added: "Campaigns, such as Fresh Air for Penrith, play an invaluable and often overlooked role in the public interest information ecosystem, ensuring local issues can break through and be addressed and give communities a voice."
Leo Group said it would continue to keep "matters relating to Mr Thomson's conduct, actions and claims under careful review".
"Any future issues will be assessed on their own facts and the company will not hesitate to take appropriate steps where necessary to protect its position, including the commencement of further proceedings if necessary."
