VEGAN demonstrators are protesting outside the court where their fellow activist is appearing charged with criminal damage.

The group of nine activists are shouting vegan slogans outside Brighton Magistrates’ Court.

Inside, Dylan Roffey, 24, is due to appear in the dock after a protest in a McDonald’s.

On May 17, about 20 activists, from Direct Action Everywhere (DXE), many in pig and chicken masks, invaded the London Road restaurant in Brighton.

Some spread fake blood over the floor and windows in front of shocked customers while others carried signs with slogans including “ethics over profits”.

Dylan Roffey was arrested and charged with criminal damage and obstructing or resisting a person assisting a constable in the execution of their duty.

A DXE spokeswoman said Roffey “intends to fight the case against McDonald’s who are the real guilty party".

The spokesman said: “McDonald's trades in cruelty.

“Their profit comes at the price of so much suffering and death.

“They are in the murder trade and should be the ones ones on trial.”

"McDonald's murders countless animals every year.

“They are the real criminals.

“The police are happy to be their personal security so it's up to us to hold them to account.“