A former librarian from Norwich was one of three people to appear in court after a protest on the roof of a defence firm.

Jan McLachlan, 68, of Norwich Road, appeared at Southampton Magistrates Court last Friday accused of causing criminal damage.

That followed a protest on the roof of Leonardo UK’s Southampton factory in Millbrook the day before which saw police, firefighters and paramedics attend.

Gireppanavar Satheeschchandra, a 44-year-old data analyst, and Adil Mian, 28, a current master's student and lecturer at Cambridge University also appeared at the hearing.

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All three pleaded not guilty to a single charge of causing criminal damage having been produced from custody.

Norwich Evening News: Police arresting Palestine Action protesters, including a woman from Norwich, who climbed onto the roof of Leonardo UK's Southampton factory Police arresting Palestine Action protesters, including a woman from Norwich, who climbed onto the roof of Leonardo UK's Southampton factory

They were released on conditional bail to reside at their home addresses and not to enter Hampshire apart from to attend court.

They will next appear at Southampton Crown Court on Friday, December 15 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Campaign group Palestine Action organised the protest, saying it was due to the Italian defence technology firm's alleged ties with Israel.