Four plead not guilty over abbey climate protest

Four people have pleaded not guilty to trespassing a historic landmark and refusing to leave during a protest.

Bath Magistrates' Court heard police were called to Bath Abbey on 13 September 2025 after members of Christian Climate Action, including a retired Church of England vicar, allegedly got into the tower room and barricaded themselves in before unfurling a banner reading "Don't Crucify Creation".

Reverend Bill White, 71, from Macclesfield, Stephen Pritchard, 66, from Radstock, Emma Ireland, 41, from Bristol, and Kate Chesterman, 60, from Canterbury, pleaded not guilty to aggravated trespass and obstructing persons engaged in lawful activity.

They intend to represent themselves at trial.

A case management hearing for the four defendants will be held on 14 January at Bath Law Courts.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.