21st February 2014

The trial resumes on Monday (February 24th) of five anti fracking protesters who used locks and superglue to prevent access to Cuadrilla’s oil exploration site at Balcombe.

Natalie Hynde (daughter of rock musicians Chrissie Hynde and Ray Davies), Simon Medhurst and Nichola Sanger deny besetting the site under Section 241 of the Trades Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act. Robert Basto and Jamie Spiers deny obstructing the highway and Dr Basto denies a further charge of obstructing a police officer.

The case, which is being heard at Brighton Magistrates Court, was adjourned on February 13th when it ran out of time. After the prosecution case, District Judge William Ashworth ordered that Section 241 charges against Dr Basto and Mr Spiers should be dropped because there was no case to answer. He also dismissed a charge against Dr Basto for getting onto a vehicle that was moving.

The court heard defence evidence from Dr Basto and Miss Sanger before the adjournment. Miss Hynde, Mr Medhurst and Mr Spiers have still to give evidence.

Court reports