A former Paralympic cyclist accused of gluing himself to the roof of a British Airways plane has denied causing public nuisance.
James Brown, 55, who is visually impaired, is accused of causing a public nuisance by climbing on top of the aircraft on Thursday at London City Airport.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday where a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf by his solicitor Raj Chada.
Brown, of Magdalen Road, Exeter, wore a grey jumper to the hearing and spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.
The alleged offence took place two days after his birthday.
District judge John Zani granted Brown conditional bail, banning from going within one mile of any airport in the UK.
He is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court in London on November 8 for trial.
Brown competed for Britain, Ireland and Northern Ireland in a career which saw him participate at five Paralympic Games and earn two gold medals and a bronze.
The athlete’s arrest and charging capped a week of demonstrations against climate inaction which saw more than 1,100 arrests across the capital.
The Met Police confirmed on Saturday morning that more than 1,200 protestors had been arrested over the course of Extinction Rebellion’s International Rebellion, which is set to continue for at least another week.