Seven activists anti-arms activists have appeared in court after allegedly storming a factory.

The group is said to have targeted the site of Instro Precision at Discovery Park, Sandwich, in August.

They went before Folkestone magistrates this afternoon on charges stemming from trespass.

All pleaded not guilty and they're are next due to appear for trial from February 17 next year..

Joshua Griffiths, 31, of no fixed address: Eleanor Keen, 54, of Stroud, Gloucestershire: Joshua Longbottom, 30,of Catherine Street, Aberdare, Mid Glamorgan; Kim Turner, 62, of Firle Road, Brighton; Richard Barnard, 46, of Mattison Road, Harringay; Susannah Mengesha, 37, and Lisa Butler, 39, from separate addresses in Commerce Road, Wood Green are all charged with obstructing/disrupting a person engaged in a lawful activity.

The charge specifically says that on August 27 and 28, having trespassed on the secure site of Instro Precision, they occupied the site with others and behaved in a manner likely to intimidate staff and prevent them from working.

It is alleged the defendants intended to have the effect of obstruction or disrupting that activity.

The lawful activity is described in the charge as engineering electro-optical sensor equipment for military and commercial companies.

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