Four charged following Newhaven incinerator protest - 25-07-2008

Four people arrested at the site of the proposed incinerator in Newhaven have been charged with aggravated trespass.

Another protestor who came down from a crane on the site shortly before noon today (Wednesday) was also arrested.

Jennifer Allott (22), Joe Freeth (23), both of Brighton, and Jonathan Twigg (21) from Southampton, were charged with aggravated trespass and bailed to appear at Lewes Magistrates' Court on 30 July. Robert Doyle (29) of no fixed abode, was also charged with aggravated trespass and remanded in custody to appear before Lewes magistrates today.

A 45-year old Newhaven woman, arrested for obstruction and assaulting the police in the early stages of the incident, has been bailed pending a decision.

Police are continuing to negotiate with the six protestors who remain on the crane, having been there since 4am on Tuesday (22 July).

Ch Supt Paul Morrison, head of operations for Sussex Police, said: "We have made it absolutely clear that all of the protestors involved in this incident will be arrested and will be charged with aggravated trespass. We are continuing to talk to them and we are hoping that we will soon bring this to a safe conclusion."

Responding to claims from the protestors that police were jeopardising their health and safety by allowing work to resume in other areas of the construction site, Ch Supt Morrison said: "It must be remembered that they have put themselves in this position. The specific area around the location of the crane has been cordoned off and the site operators are continuing their lawful activities in in other areas of the site. These activities do not pose a risk to the protestors or the police personnel.

"The style of protest adopted is one where an element of risk has been taken by the protestors. We urge them, for their own safety, to now come down from the crane having made their point quite clearly."

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