Protestors warned to stay away from Link Road site

The protestors, including a managing director, a rock star’s daughter and a pensioner, were granted bail ahead of the September hearing on the condition they avoid specified areas where work is taking place on the multi-million pound road.

The 18 were arrested following a series of protests against the BHLR, which took place in Crowhurst and Sidley earlier in the year.

They were subsequently charged with offences including obstructing a person engaged in a lawful activity and obstructing an enforcement officer engaged to execute a High Court writ.

Most of the accused hail from Hastings and Sussex, but some defendants come from as far afield as Wales and Sheffield.

The group includes Natalie Hynde, the daughter of Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde, and Tom Druitt, the managing director of Brighton’s Big Lemon Bus Company.

Hynde, 30, of St James Road, Hastings, and Druitt, 34, of Osmond Road, Hove, stand co-accused with Simon Medhurst, 54, of High Street, Hastings; Adrian Hopkins, 28, of Marina, St Leonards; Patrick Nicholson, 48, of High Street, Hastings; May Palmer, 61, of Paynton Road, St Leonards and Rosa Canadas, 33, of High Street, Hastings.

None of the defendants were required to attend Wednesday’s hearing at Hastings Magistrates Court where the bail condition was imposed.

A provisional court date has been set for September 2.