Climate activists accused of gluing themselves to train at Canary Wharf station deny criminal charge
Three climate activists accused of gluing themselves to a train in London as part of a fortnight of planned chaos have denied committing a criminal offence.
Cathy Eastburn, 51, and Luke Watson, 29, are alleged to have climbed on to the roof of a Docklands Light Railway carriage at Canary Wharf yesterday morning, while Mark Ovland, 35, glued his hand to the doors, a court heard.
The alleged incident came after a third day of disruption brought to the capital by Extinction Rebellion campaigners, who are trying to force action from the Government on climate change.
Police tried to convince the defendants to remove themselves but were forced to lift them away from the carriage as delays built up on the line behind, Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court was told.
The protesters were all arrested and charged with unlawfully obstructing trains or carriages on the railway.
Ms Eastburn, of Gerards Close, Lambeth, Mr Watson, of Manuden, Essex and Mr Ovland, of High Street, Keinton Mandeville, Somerset, pleaded not guilty to the single charge.
District Judge Julia Newton said the costs incurred by the alleged offence meant the matter should be sent to crown court.
They were remanded in custody ahead of an appearance at Blackfriars Crown Court on May 16.
Scotland Yard today said 428 arrests had been carried out since Monday, as activists plan a fourth straight day of demonstrations on London streets.
Organisers behind the protest warned "thousands more rebels" expected to join in the coming days unless demands set out by Extinction Rebellion "are not met".
Speaking from Waterloo Bridge, Dr Gail Bradbrook said: "More people are joining us all the time.
"We're having a fantastic time here. It's how life is meant to be lived with people coming together and actually exerting their political power."
