Train campaigners to face trial

Twenty-nine people have appeared in court charged over a protest at one of Europe's biggest power stations.

They filled up two rows at York Magistrates' Court to face charges of obstructing the railway near Drax power station in North Yorkshire on 13 June.

Seventeen pleaded not guilty while the others did not enter a plea.

Judge Fred Rutherford said all 29 would face trial at York Crown Court on 14 November. They were all granted conditional bail.

The defendants are accused of obstructing the railway by walking on the tracks and climbing and sitting on a bridge and train during the protest.

Before the court appearance, up to 40 protesters with campaign group Leave It In The Ground held a demonstration outside the court in support of the 29 defendants.

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