Brighton environment protesters in court over M25 action

Insulate Britain activists Venetia Carter and Alexander Rodger, both from Brighton, were among those who appeared before Hove Crown Court.

The mass trespass at the Stanley Interchange, Junction 3 of the M25, brought the motorway to a standstill on September 13, 2021.

Carter, 58, of Sutherland Road, and Rodger, 32, of Ditchling Road, appeared alongside Catherine Eastburn and Cameron Ford.

They are four of a total of 12 defendants and this is the first of three trials relating to this incident.

Carter, Eastburn and Ford are representing themselves, while Rodger is represented by Raj Chada.

The protesters blocked the road from 8am until 11.30am.

Inspector Robert Thornton, duty inspector for Sevenoaks and Maidstone at the time of the incident, gave evidence to the court.

He said: “We couldn’t continue with everyday policing.

“All everyday policing had to be stopped.”

Clockwise from top left: Cameron Ford, Catherine Eastburn, Alexander Rodger and Venetia Carter (Image: Insulate Britain)

Inspector Thornton said he could not remember specifics of the incidents Kent Police were unable to attend to due to being at the protest.

“I remember noting there was a suicide risk, domestic abuse incidents and a burglary,” he told the court.

Representing herself, Eastburn asked Insp Thornton to describe the behaviour and demeanour of the protesters.

Insp Thornton said: “From memory protesters were sitting calmly on the road but they were blocking the road so no one could pass.”

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The court heard that all four defendants were initially arrested for obstructing the highway.

Later, while the defendants were in custody, they were arrested and subsequently charged with a different offence, causing a public nuisance.

The court saw police bodycam footage where officers engaged with a spokesman for the 12 protesters.

In a written statement from an officer referred to only as PC Critcher who was at the scene, read by Alex Young, prosecuting, the officer said the manner of the protesters was “calm and non violent”.

He said: “I spoke to a female driver who was distressed about being unable to get to hospital to see a dying loved one.

“Necessary road closures put in place meant I was unable to allow her through.”

The case continues.