A MAN accused of chaining himself to an alleged fracking site in Penketh has pleaded not guilty to the offence.
Wayne Paolucci, from Old Trafford, is expected to stand trial later this year after denying one charge of deterring a person from engaging in lawful activity.
Halton Magistrates’ Court heard how the 40-year-old was arrested after police were called to a protest on the Doe Green well site, which is used by IGas, on April 21.
Paolucci was arrested for aggravated trespass alongside three others – who were cautioned for their involvement in the protest.
But Paolucci continued to deny his guilt, claiming the activity on the site was unlawful.
As a result he could not plead guilty to the charge of deterring a person from engaging in lawful activity.
Sarah Gray, prosecuting, said bosses at IGas denied that fracking was taking place at the site.
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