A GRANDFATHER from Oxfordshire says he will plead not guilty after being charged with criminal damage for his part in an anti-climate change protest.
Faringdon's Reggie Norton, 85, was arrested on November 12, after a seven-hour protest at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Mr Norton says he is accused of causing £911.29 worth of damage during the demonstration, when the department’s building was defaced and its doors were blocked.
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The Extinction Rebellion-organised protest aimed to highlight inaction on climate change after the budget.
Mr Norton says he took part in the demonstration ‘for his five grandchildren’.
He added that he has been told to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court at 9.30am on Tuesday, February 26.
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Mr Norton said that in a letter revealing the charge, he was told that it related to an offence on February 12, but the correct date is believed to be November 12.
The Metropolitan Police were not immediately able to comment.
Westminster Magistrates Court did not respond to enquiries.
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