Anti-HS2 protester ‘Digger Down’ appears in court
Demonstrators including veteran campaigner Swampy remain underground, while a number of others have been removed or have left
An anti-HS2 activist who is alleged to have spent 19 days burrowed in a network of tunnels near London’s Euston station has appeared in court.
Scott “Scotty” Breen, also known as Digger Down, was arrested at around midnight on Monday after he is alleged to have emerged from the protest site at Euston Square Gardens.
During the brief hearing on Tuesday at Croydon Magistrates’ Court, 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.
Dozens of environmental protestors holding banners waited outside the court to cheer the 46-year-old on as he left.
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, according to the PA news agency.
The network, which protestors say stretches to 100ft in length, was dug in secret by HS2 Rebellion members – a coalition of protest groups who oppose the high-speed railway. The tunnel was discovered by authorities on 26 January.
More protesters, including veteran campaigner Swampy, remain underground, while a number of others have been removed or have left.
Mr Breen, from West Drayton, west London, was ordered to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on 26 February for allegedly breaching a community order.