A lawful ban does not make an unlawful blockade right. Those who blocked the Garvaghy Road should read this judgment before claiming victory. The court recognised that lawful marchers were prevented from exercising their rights. The protesters could have demonstrated lawfully without blocking the parade. They chose otherwise. The ban was upheld because of public safety, the practical limits of policing and the rights of the wider community. including Northern Ireland’s need for a functioning police service. It was not an endorsement of the blockade. Indeed, the judge said the rights of those protesting unlawfully to thwart the parade deserved little, if any, weight. In my view, this is a damning indictment of Sinn Féin’s political leadership throughout this dispute. The court’s warning applies to everyone in public office: you cannot demand respect for the law while selectively disregarding it yourself. This judgement strengthens the public-interest case for prosecuting those against whom there is sufficient evidence. Where convictions follow, sentences should reflect the full seriousness of the offending, including the disruption and harm caused. Those decisions belong to independent prosecutors and courts. Blocking a lawful parade is no victory for rights. Political office is no exemption from responsibility.