A GROUP of Insulate Britain protesters will stand trial for allegedly causing a public nuisance by blocking the M25.

Nine climate activists – two from Sussex - appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Monday, charged with causing a public nuisance by obstructing Junction 3 of the motorway on September 13 last year.

The words "Insulate Britain" could be seen spray-painted on to an outside wall of the court next to the main entrance.

The Argus: The words ‘Insulate Britain’ was spray-painted on to a wall of Crawley Magistrates’ Court The words ‘Insulate Britain’ was spray-painted on to a wall of Crawley Magistrates’ Court

They are the first group of Insulate Britain protesters to appear before the courts.

Each defendant opted to have the matter tried by a jury at the crown court.

They will appear at Lewes Crown Court on May 9, and if convicted, could face a prison sentence.

The following nine people are each charged with one count of causing a public nuisance:

Joseph Shepherd, 21, of Percy Road, Horsham

Alexander Rodger, 32, of Ditching Road, Brighton

Jessica Causby, 25, of no fixed address

Priyadaka Conway, 60, of Auckland Road, Cambridge

Catherine Eastburn, 54, of St Gerard’s Close, south London

Cameron Ford, 31, of the Homing, Cambridge

Gregoary Fry, 25, of Manor House, Ely, Cambridge

Oliver Rock, 41, of Red Post Hill, London

Michael Wiley, 75, of Alburgh Road, Shelton, Staffordshire

The Argus: Insulate Britain protesters obstructing Junction 3 of the motorway on September 13 last year Insulate Britain protesters obstructing Junction 3 of the motorway on September 13 last year

Last week, Insulate Britain said a total of 117 people had been charged by Kent and Essex police for blocking the M25 motorway, the Port of Dover and other highways between September and November last year, including 146 charges of causing a public nuisance.