HS2 protesters case dropped in Hertfordshire
The final protesters involved with the case had their case dropped by the judge an hour before the trial
Charges have been dropped for Extinction Rebellion protesters who obstructed the HS2 site at Maple Cross in October.
Over 20 activists erected bamboo structures to prevent large vehicles from entering the site, although pedestrians and small vehicles still had access.
The protesters blocked the site for over 10 hours, with the aim of raising awareness to the impact they feel HS2 is having on the environment.
The group wanted the government to drop the funding for the works and instead invest the money used into local services and the NHS.
The case was dropped on 23 August last week on the first morning of proceedings after the judge said the defendants had not had adequate time to prepare. The remaining 7 protesters to face trial were due to appear at St Albans Magistrates Court.
The group were the last of the protesters involved to face trial, after some of the other cases were abandoned in May, and the ones in September also scrapped.
Teresa Norton, one of the defendants, said: “Seven of us turned up at St Albans Court on Monday 23rd to face the new charge of hiding tools. By 12pm the judge agreed with the defence that there was not enough time given to prepare, so the case was dismissed."
A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service said: “It is not the function of the CPS to investigate allegations of a criminal nature or to decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence, but to make assessments about whether it is appropriate to present charges for the court to consider."
“In respect of the 21 activists who were arrested in connection with the protest at the HS2 site in Maple Cross on 9 October 2020, the protests occurred at various locations in the area and each protest site was considered separately.
“The CPS cannot comment on remarks made by individuals during court hearings.”