An anti-HS2 protester who emerged from an underground tunnel after spending 19 days there has appeared in court.
Anti-HS2 activist Scott “Scotty” Breen, known as Digger Down, was arrested at the site of the protest in Euston Square Gardens just after midnight on Monday after allegedly spending nearly three weeks in one of the tunnels.
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During a brief hearing at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, charges of breaching bail conditions were dropped. Mr Breen spoke only to give his name, date of birth, address and confirm that he understood the proceedings.
The 46-year-old, from West Drayton, west London, will appear at another court next week, accused of failing to comply with a community order.
Mr Breen’s bail conditions require him not to interfere with the workings of any HS2 site and not to enter, be present at, or remain in any HS2 site or building which is clearly identified as such by way of a sign, fence or other marking.
Dozens of activists holding banners waited outside the court to greet Breen as he left.
The 100ft network of tunnels was dug in secret by protesters who object to the redevelopment of the location as part of the HS2 high-speed rail project. The tunnel was discovered by authorities on January 26.
More protesters, including veteran campaigner Swampy, remain underground, while a number of others have been removed or have left.
Breen was ordered to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on February 26 for allegedly breaching a community order.
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