//I suppose the removal of a particular line of defence, or at least the tightening of it, makes some difference,..//
Yes it does, Jim.
I think what the Attorney-General was concerned about was the “Human Rights” angle becoming a carte blanche for protesters to do virtually whatever they wished in the furtherance of their cause. I’d really like to see the full transcript because there was also some comment made about the monetary value of the damage. With Criminal Damage there is only a right to a jury trial if the damage caused amounts to more than £5,000. There was mention that the monetary value of the damage could be a deciding factor as to whether the protest was “violent” enough to mean the HR angle can be rightfully ignored.
//yes, the same jury could acquit the same defendants on the same facts tomorrow.//
Indeed they could. But if, in the same circumstances, the defence attempted to introduce the “Human Rights” defence, the judge can use this ruling to prevent it being made before the jury.