A group of Just Stop Oil activists who took part in a slow march across Waterloo Bridge have been told they can continue their “peaceful protests” ahead of their 2025 trial.
Andrew Bellis, 44, Peter Lillie, 31, Barbara Lund, 70, David Mitchell, 62, Stephen Simpson, 70, and Patrick Walker, 34, all took part in the demonstration that took place on November 8.
Appearing in court yesterday, all six denied they had broken the Public Order Act 2023.
Southwark Crown Court heard that the group members “interfered with the use or operation of a key national infrastructure in England and Wales, namely Waterloo Bridge, intending that act to interfere with the use or operation of such infrastructure or being reckless as to whether it would do so”.
WATCH NOW: Just Stop Oil march on Waterloo Bridge
Jude David Tomlinson said the newest condition “does not stop anyone from taking part in a peaceful protest.
“What it stops them from doing is participating in a procession which prevents members of the public from going about their lawful business.
“We are talking about competing rights here and this condition does not stop them protesting, it does however stop them from preventing people from going about their lawful business.
“This condition of bail is entirely proportionate to anyone who was given instruction by police.
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“It is proportionate to try and stop any of you being accused of any further offences between now and the trial date."
The judge also said he was willing to relax bail conditions for five out of six members, which prohibited them from entering the M25.
All six denied one count of interfering with the use of a key national infrastructure.
The group will return to court for further hearings on 19 January and 12 April 2024, however their trial is unlikely to be heard until 2025.
More than 100 protesters were arrested on the day.
Demonstrators were accused of blocking an ambulance with "blue lights" on the bridge during the chaos.
Just Stop Oil (JSO) protesters caused chaos on Waterloo Bridge after an ambulance on blue lights was gridlocked by the eco-mobMet PoliceLast week, it was revealed that Just Stop Oil protesters have cost the Met Police almost £20million.
A Freedom of Information request found £19.9million has been spent on the group to date, with £3.5million spent since October this year.
It comes as the police claim the group has “refused to engage” with officers when planning its protests.
Scotland Yard said time spent on the group equated to about 300 officers per day being taken out of frontline policing across London.
