An eco-activist taunted Sir David Attenborough as he had dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant for not “doing enough” about climate change, a court heard.
Emma Smart was claimed to have screamed “at the top of her lungs” towards the 96-year-old while he tried to enjoy a meal at the Catch at the Old Fish Market in Weymouth, Dorset.
Smart, a marine biologist, shouted at him: “The town I love, Weymouth, will be underwater and you sit there in this restaurant having dinner.”
The court saw police bodycam footage where Smart appears to criticise the broadcaster for not doing enough for her and other activists.
Emma Smart appeared to criticise the broadcaster for not doing enough for her and other activists
Animal Rebellion
The 45-year-old, who is an activist with Animal Rebellion and Insulate Britain campaign groups, entered the upmarket fish restaurant on November 17 last year.
Staff blocked her from climbing the stairs to the second floor where Attenborough was dining before calling police.
The video showed her saying: “David Attenborough! I'm Emma Smart, I'm a biologist. I'm a scientist. There are 35 climate activists in prison right now.
“David, please stand up for us and support us. David, I have looked up to you my entire life and listened to you.
“The town I love, Weymouth, will be underwater and you sit there in this restaurant having dinner.
“I have spent my whole life just like you David. You said that you understood me. Are you risking everything? You can stop this. Don't let them arrest scientists.”
The court heard that police officers asked Smart to leave on several occasions before they arrested her for causing a disturbance.
Victoria Hill, prosecuting, said: “The defendant was demanding to speak to David Attenborough who was in the restaurant that evening.
“She was told by the police officers that she was not going to be able to speak to him and asked to leave the premises.
“When she didn't she was removed from the premises and once outside, and while inside being escorted out, she was shouting towards him.
Police say Emma Smart refused to leave so was subsequently arrested
Animal Rebellion
“As a result she was arrested, when she was interviewed by the police she offered no comment.”
PC Callum Hall said that Smart dropped to the floor like a “dead weight” and had to be carried out by her arms and legs.
Smart was arrested for failing to comply with a Section 35 order under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to disperse from the area.
The activist, who is from Weymouth, denied the charge and has gone on trial at Poole Magistrates' Court.
She represented herself and described the police statements as “completely factually incorrect”.
The trial continues.
