Stonehenge protesters given Crown Court trial date
The duo appeared at Salisbury Magistrates Court on Friday.
Two protesters who sprayed orange powder onto Stonehenge have pled not guilty at Salisbury Magistrates Court.
Rajan Naidu, 73, and Niamh Lynch, 22, have been charged with intent to destroy or damage a protected monument and causing a public nuisance.
The pair, who are part of the Just Stop Oil movement, will see their case moved to the Crown Court for trial in January, on account of likely length of the trial and security implications.
They've been granted unconditional bail, despite the prosecution arguing for the initial bail conditions set by police being retained, which included them not being able to enter the county of Wiltshire.
Just Stop Oil supporters gathered outside the Salisbury Law Courts ahead of the hearing and welcomed the pair following the judge's decision.
The incident in question happened on 19th June 2024, hours before the Summer Solstice and saw two people use a fire extinguisher approach the stone circle and spray orange powder onto them.
They were then tackled to the ground by an English Heritage employee and a member of the public before they were arrested by Wiltshire Police officers.
Their next court appearance will be at 10am on 29th January 2025 in Salisbury.