Four climate activists face criminal trespass charges after allegedly barricading themselves inside Bath Abbey, disrupting a tour group. On Wednesday, January 7, Emma Ireland (41), Katherine Chesterman (60), Stephen Pritchard (66), and Reverend William White (71) appeared at Bath Magistrates Court charged with aggravated trespass and obstructing lawful activity.
The defendants are accused of barricading themselves inside the historic Bath Abbey on September 13, 2025, during a tour for 16 visitors. All four pleaded not guilty to the charges. During the hearing, Pritchard asked the court to judge his actions based on morality but was instructed to enter a plea himself, which was recorded as not guilty.
Outside the courthouse, fellow environmental protesters gathered to show solidarity, holding banners with messages such as “Don’t crucify creation,” “Climate crisis – act now,” and “C of E – why bank unethically?”
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The case is set to continue with the next hearing scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, at Bath Magistrates Court.