Six deny Trident charges

HMS Vanguard arrived at Plymouth on 3 February

Six people have pleaded not guilty to charges over a protest against nuclear submarines in Plymouth.

They were charged after a demonstration held when HMS Vanguard arrived at Devonport dockyard on 3 February.

The yard has taken over the contract to refit Vanguard-class submarines, which carry the Trident missile.

Magistrates in Plymouth removed a restriction that prevented the accused from using the Torpoint ferry, which passes close to the base.

Court supporters

The restriction had caused problems for defendant Gillian Wood, 62, who lives across the River Tamar in the Cornish village of Millbrook.

The other defendants in court were: Angela Zelter, of East Runton, Norfolk; Susan Brackenbury, 26, of Faslane, Scotland; Richard Holt, 26, of Winchester, Hampshire; Elizabeth Jones, 29, of Lymington, Hampshire and Mary Wilson, 59 of Willenhall, Staffordshire.

An order preventing them from going close to the dockyard also prevented her travelling into Plymouth by train.

Well-wishers were outside the courts to support the defendants on Monday morning.

They all denied wilful obstruction of Saltash Road.

The case was adjourned to 8 March.