The price of protest

What next for those arrested?

- Ben Quinn

The consequences of being arrested for expressing support for Palestine Action could be "life-changing", Sir Jonathon Porritt, who was detained during Saturday's protests, has admitted.

The former government adviser said he had carefully deliberated over his decision to take part, yet the road ahead for the more than 500 people arrested on Saturday involves possible criminal charges, court appearances and convictions.

Ultimately, courts could impose custodial sentences of as much as 14 years.

What happens next for those arrested?

Those whose details could be confirmed were released on bail to appear at a police station at a future date.

The police will then send case files to the Crown Prosecution Service, as it has already done in the case of at least 26 others who were arrested at other protests in support of Palestine Action.

All those arrested have now been released under police bail, with the main condition being not to attend any future demonstrations aiming to overwhelm the criminal justice system in protest at the proscription of Palestine Action by the British government.

They will be asked how they plead, and if it is not guilty they can elect for a trial before a magistrate or, more likely, a district judge.

What courts will be involved?