Eco-zealots’ trial over M25 chaos

THREE climate activists have appeared in court after they were accused of climbing on to gantries above the M25, sparking nine hours of travel chaos.

Cressida Gethin, 20, Alexander Wilcox, 21, and Emma Mani, 45, are charged with causing a public nuisance during a protest with campaign group Just Stop Oil on Wednesday.

The trio allegedly harnessed themselves to Junctions 14 and 15 – causing the motorway to close in both directions – following the UK’s record-breaking heatwave. They pleaded not guilty at Ealing Magistrates’ Court, west London, yesterday and will next appear at Inner London Crown Court on August 19.