Dr Gail Bradbrook, 47, has been accused of scaling the Department for Transport building in London on October 15, and using a hammer and chisel to smash a panel of glass. The molecular biologist claimed her actions during the climate change protest were comparable to the suffragettes, when arrested in the capital last month, Westminster Magistrates’ Court was told. Dr Bradbrook founded Extinction Rebellion along with British environmental activist Roger Hallam in October 2018.

Prosecutor Katie Bryan told the court the 47-year-old climbed onto the ledge of the building on Horseferry Road and hit the glass “several times” and refused to stop.

Ms Bryan said: “On 15 October Ms Bradbrook was addressing a crowd whilst at the Department for Transport.

“She climbed onto a ledge on top of a revolving door and began addressing a crowd in respect of climate change.

“She began using hammer and chisel to strike down large panel of glass above door several times and she was asked to stop but she didn’t and caused damage.

“The Crown submit this matter is suitable for summary trial.

“In her police interview the defendant said she acted to draw attention to the cause and compared her actions to the suffragettes in smashing windows to get the vote.”

Adeela Khan, representing Dr Bradbrook, said her protest was in relation to the HS2 high-speed railway project linking London and the North of England.

Ms Khan said “there is an argument of lawful excuse”.

Ms Khan told the court: “It’s not right to say that she said to the police or thereafter that she would commit any further acts of civil disobedience.

“She made the point that she wanted to make at the location she wanted to make it.

“This was specific protest in relation to the HS2 railway.

“There is an argument of lawful excuse.”

Bradbrook chose to have her case heard at the crown court for trial in front of a jury rather than face summary trial at the magistrates court.

The 47-year-old was released on unconditional bail.

Judge Tracie said told Dr Bradbrook: ‘I am releasing you on unconditional bail until your hearing at Isleworth but bear in mind it may aggravate sentences you get when convicted if you commit an offence while on bail.”

Dr Bradbrook will appear at Isleworth crown court on December 13.

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